HONG KONG, December 10, 2014 — China’s President Xi Jinping has been described as China’s “dictator”, “loyal servant of the Communist party” to being hailed as the most powerful Chinese leader after Deng Xiaoping — with differing perceptions of Xi, Professor Kerry Brown, Executive Director of the China Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, shared his insight on this intriguing leader in his informative evening presentation at Asia Society Hong Kong Center.

Drawing on China’s past geopolitical relations with the West and its long-standing “iron fist” ruling approach in national affairs, Brown highlights Xi’s unique ruling style as an engaging and adaptive visionary in the global political arena. He continues his analysis, stating that Xi’s frequent visits to other overseas countries were a sign of him showing the world his interest in becoming “nothing but everyone’s friends”. However, Brown is wary that Xi’s positive reputation may be quick to deteriorate or even vanish, depending on the outcome of two important presidential elections in the United States and Taiwan two years later.

Although the future of Xi’s popularity and international influence remain uncertain, Brown recognizes the leader’s conscious effort in promoting a culturally diversified and benign international environment. By effectively maintaining discipline within the Chinese political party, Brown believes that this would allow the world to eventually reach a state of unreserved respect for China’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary economic ideals. The speech ends with what Brown calls his “golden rule for China”: “Don’t screw up”.

Event information: The Xi Style of Leadership: China's Strongman or the Communist Party's Puppet?

Video: Watch the complete program (58 min., 13 sec.)