In Beijing, Xi and Trump agree to ‘constructive strategic stability’ in US-China relations
CCP propaganda has used the Trump trip to subtly weave the narrative of a U.S. “change of heart” and a PRC “victory” in major power competition.
POLITICS

Risk vs. Opportunity: Xi’s New Shanghai Chief to Target Entrenched Corruption Networks
◎ Li Qiang will escalate Xi’s anti-corruption drive in Shanghai.

China Could Get a Fifth Vice Premier
◎ New Politburo member Yang Jiechi may become a State Council vice premier with a foreign affairs portfolio.

China’s Paramilitary, a ‘Coup Tool,’ to be Drastically Downsized
◎ The PAP reforms are helpful to Xi in two ways.

Risk Watch: Four Financial Industries Xi’s Anti-corruption Drive Will Hit
◎ Xi’s intent to clean up the financial sector is best observed in the proceedings of the 5th National Financial Work Conference in mid-July.

Xi Strengthens Control Over Key Provinces With Leadership Reshuffle
◎ Communist Party factions try to get their supporters into the top provincial leadership office to grow their influence.

New Politburo Regulation Confirms Xi’s ‘General Secretary Plus’ Role
◎ The new work report requirement for Politburo members clearly sets Xi above the rest of the Politburo Standing Committee.

These Six Officials Will Shape the Future of China’s Economy
◎ Economic reform is a top priority for Xi, but he faces stiff internal opposition.

Two Key Issues You Must Know to Decode China’s Future
◎ China’s future trajectory can be decoded if observers understand two key issues.

19th Congress Wrap-up: Xi Has the Edge, but Will Face Fiercer Challenges Ahead
◎ Xi Jinping emerged from the Congress with his trusted allies in key positions and a greatly elevated political status.
