Being More Hip

The Chinese Communist Party under President Xi Jinping is viewed more favorably by China’s youth than any previous regime in the country’s recent history. Yet there is no guarantee that Beijing will be able to meet their increasingly material expectations. If it cannot continue to grow economic opportunities, the Party will have to change how it justifies its rule to its people – a tall order.

President Xi has captured the imagination of people both inside and outside of China. By addressing one of the top complaints of China’s citizenry—corruption—and portraying himself as a man of the people, Xi stands out among recent Chinese leaders, who for the most part turned a blind eye towards corruption.