Chinese Communist Party at 105: Ideology, Constituency and Succession
The Chinese Communist Party has turned 105, entering its second century larger, more centralized and more tightly controlled under President Xi Jinping. While party membership has surpassed 101 million, growth is slowing, military and political purges continue and questions are mounting over who will eventually succeed Xi ahead of the pivotal 2027 Party Congress. At the same time, Beijing is placing renewed emphasis on ideological discipline, military modernization and "national rejuvenation," with Taiwan remaining central to the Party’s long-term vision. Is the CCP becoming stronger under Xi — or more vulnerable as power becomes increasingly concentrated? In this episode, we examine how the Party has changed from Mao to Xi, what its future leadership may look like and what it means for the Taiwan Strait and the world. *Recorded on July 16, 2026 at 3pm Taiwan Standard Time Host: Wen-Ti Sung Producer: Suvam Pal Videographer: Ko Gi Our guests: Jean Christopher Mittelstaedt - University of Zurich Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies Associate Professor of Sinology Jabin T. Jacob - Shiv Nadar University (SNU) International Relations and Governance Studies Associate Professor
