In 2012, I pointed out that Xi Jinping was seen as a hope for democratic reform in China after Bo Xilai's downfall, but in fact, there are similarities in the governance models of both China and the United States, which could lead to abuses of power and authoritarianism. Today, Trump may imitate Xi Jinping, attempting to undermine the democratic system in the United States and seeking to extend his term. Both rely on propaganda and anti-corruption as a pretext to attack opponents, appoint loyal supporters, and establish groups in governance to replace traditional systems. In foreign affairs, they also exhibit a tough stance, pressuring each other while often showing a willingness to compromise. Under strongman politics, whether in China or the United States, the neglect of checks and balances on power may have profound consequences.
After taking office, he began to appoint loyalists and eliminate dissenters. Although he had no real opponents, he showed no mercy in dealing with those who dared to challenge his authority, determined to eradicate them. As the supreme leader, he was eventually deified, becoming a national hero and the savior of the nation. Once he firmly sat on the throne, he began to abuse his power, acting as he pleased, disregarding legal procedures, and treating the rights of the people as worthless. What is this place called? — That's right, it's Chongqing. — It is also China.
This is the conclusion of my article "Every Official's Surname is Bo" that I wrote in October 2012. Today, perhaps I should add another sentence: — Alas, it is still America! Democratic countries have their own forms of democracy, while the behavior patterns of authoritarian and dictatorial governments are generally similar. Back then, with the downfall of his political rival Bo Xilai, Xi Jinping was seen by global public opinion as a new star promoting democratic political reform in China. There are many reasons people believe this, one of which is his background (his family suffered political persecution within the Communist Party), which makes him dislike the "Cultural Revolution" and authoritarian regimes; another reason is his personality, which seems bold and decisive.
Some columnists even wrote a commentary predicting that during his term, the body of Mao Zedong would be removed from Tiananmen Square and the Nobel Peace Prize laureates would be released. I hold a different view. I believe that institutional arrangements are more important. I think there is no insurmountable gap between the Chongqing model and the Chinese model.
Under the overall Chinese model, any place could potentially become the next Chongqing, and any official could follow in Bo Xilai's footsteps. Within the same governance model, Xi Jinping is merely another version of Bo Xilai. However, there is a vast difference in institutional arrangements between China and the United States. Although someone constantly tries to curry favor with others, it is very difficult to imitate them within the political system of the United States, which has a separation of powers. The problem is that he may be undermining this system, becoming the "General Accelerator" of dismantling American democracy.
The opposition to lifetime tenure is a widely praised political legacy, and leaders' term limits are enshrined in the constitution. Therefore, when news about "Xi Jinping wanting to implement lifetime rule" first circulated, it sounded like a political rumor. The seriousness and stability of the U.S. Constitution need not be elaborated on. Therefore, the news that "someone is seeking a third term" sounds more like a political joke.
Recently, someone stated in an interview that he "is not joking," but is seriously considering this matter. He even hinted at having "methods" to circumvent the constitutional two-term limit. He mentioned: "Many people want me to do this." On the road of dictatorial authoritarianism, he is still a novice, not even having entered the field.
Xi Jinping's regime propaganda states: "Establishing someone’s core position is a choice of practice, a choice of history, a choice of the entire party, and a choice of the people." Putin transitioned from president to prime minister and back to president, amending the constitution to "reset" previous terms, which is quite a political joke, but he is also seriously advancing dictatorship and totalitarianism.
"Loyalty" is a spell; fortunately, some people have not completely imitated Xi Jinping's stupid antics like his "reading list," but they are doubling down on seizing and consolidating power. In terms of political slogans, they propose nearly the same ideas.
In economic policy, both seem to exhibit contradictory trends. The choice to prioritize national interests above all else, continuously strengthening repression against political enemies reflects their extreme governance style.
Finally, both exhibit bullying characteristics. They both play the role of "strongman" in their own countries while flattering each other among "strongmen." These traits make their interactions on the international stage even more repulsive.
