Commentary
What does the removal of Hu Jintao from the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) mean for China going forward?
It means quite a lot.
Xi Has a Long Memory
First, it’s important to understand that Xi Jinping and Hu Jintao share a history that goes back decades. Hu was Xi’s predecessor as general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party from 2002–12, retiring in 2013 as Xi took power.
Hu’s era as leader of China was a mixed bag, as economic growth masked signs of strain. He has been described as a pragmatist, but supported Li Kequiang for the top leadership position that ultimately went to Xi Jinping. Li instead became premier, China’s second most powerful political position….