Xi - the first nine months

Linda Jakobson | Lowy Institute | 27 August 2013

For the past nine months, China has had a very new type of leader. Since being appointed Secretary General of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in November 2012, Chinese citizens have heard their top leader speak in the first person, using normal standard Chinese that is understandable to any ordinary Chinese person. His speeches have mostly been devoid of Marxist jargon and unintelligible phrases. While Xi comes across as jovial and relaxed in public appearances, he also gives an impre...