Generational turnover in Chinese politics is critically important because Xi Jinping's generation (sent to countryside during Cultural Revolution, witnessing brutal acts, massacres, and purges) is 'damaged' and 'brutalized' by that experience; a Chinese academic of Xi's generation described his cohort as 'the worst people' and said China has 'no hope' until that generation leaves power.
factualpending
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David RennieEvidence Quote
“I remember talking to a Chinese academic, very distinguished reformer, now brokenhearted, still has his job, exactly the same age as Xiinping...He was sent down to the countryside, saw terrible, brutal acts, massacres, purges...He goes, "We are damaged, my generation. We are the worst people...Until we leave the scene, this country has no hope."”
Created: 8/11/2026, 6:35:07 AM
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