China's Big Week: The Coronation of Xi Jinping

We discuss the ongoing Chinese Communist Party congress, where paramount leader Xi Jinping is expected to secure himself a third term in power. We break down what you should know about the congress, why the zero-COVID policy looms so large over it, and what Xi might do in the coming years. Click here or head to s.nikkei.com/3feonH8 to get 3 months of Nikkei Asia coverage for just $9. First, Monica Hunter-Hart and Waj Khan go over the basics of the event (2:35). Then Alice French explains the worsening toll Xi's zero-COVID policy is taking on the Chinese economy and population (9:33). Finally, Monica interviews the Lowy Institute's Richard McGregor about Xi's influence and what he might do next (13:20). Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart, with a regular Tokyo Dispatch segment by Alice French. Related to this episode: Self-isolated: China's lonely zero-COVID battle in spotlight as Xi seeks third term, by Nikkei staff writers Analysis: Xi's coronation ceremony opens on date of China's first atom bomb, by Katsuji Nakazawa Opinion: Xi Jinping is preparing the Communist Party to face new realities, by Yu Jie Transcript: President Xi Jinping's report to China's 2022 party congress