Australia's former PM and current CEO of the Asia Society knows China quite well. He's fluent in Mandarin, and — for a foreigner — has a pretty good idea of what's cooking in Chinese politics.
That's why Kevin Rudd believes China's zero-COVID strategy will (probably) remain in place all of next year.
The Chinese, he tells Ian Bremmer, "had the internal shock of their life" during the early stages of the outbreak. And rumblings over Xi Jinping's initial response have created a "deep pathology" in his mind about taking any risks at all with the virus.
Rudd sees no clear COVID exit strategy for China, or Xi. That'll have serious implications for global trade.
Also, China now wants to join the revamped TPP regional trade deal — without changing its terms. That, he explains, is "basically pulling the rug from under the normal levels of opposition" from countries like Australia or Japan.
Finally, Rudd details why Beijing is more worried than it wants to admit about diplomatic pushback against China’s territorial overreach in Asia with things like the Quad.
Watch his full interview and insights from other participants on Day 3 of our parent company Eurasia Group's 2021 GZERO Summit.
- Xi Jinping goes full 1984 - GZERO Media ›
- Why is Xi Jinping willing to slow down China's economy? - GZERO ... ›
- Can Xi save China from Evergrande? - GZERO Media ›
- Can anyone lead the world on climate right now? Nope, says Kevin ... ›
- China’s pandemic playbook will fail with Omicron: Laura Yasaitis - GZERO Media ›
- The problem with China’s Zero COVID strategy | GZERO World Podcast - GZERO Media ›
More For You
In his latest Quick Take, Ian Bremmer examines the stability of US-China relations and why he believes the period of relative calm between the two countries may be coming to an end.
Most Popular
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul quickly responded by vowing tougher gun-control legislation and a renewed crackdown on illegal weapons.
Check out the latest swag from the official Puppet Regime merchandise store! Browse an array of products that will show the world you are a devoted subject of the Regime, including: A big, beautiful mug for drinking coffee very strongly, A handsome tote bag to carry your favorite classified documents, Collectible stickers, Stylish t-shirts and hoodies – now also available in pink. We ship worldwide! Shop now at shop.puppetregime.tv!
US-backed negotiations are opening a possible path to democratic elections in Venezuela – even as the country’s most popular opposition leader remains outside the room.