Xi, not Trump, started on path to decoupling

 

 Analysis: Xi, not Trump, started on path to decoupling

 

 " Xi had come to the conclusion that unless these issues were all corrected, the country's one-party rule was at risk. "

Eleven years ago, as Xi Jinping was about to become China's top leader, he expressed his frustration that the Chinese economy was being "hijacked" by the U.S. As the next leader, he was determined to correct the situation.
 
After years of Deng Xiaoping's reform and opening up policy, China was mired in corruption, worship of money and a blind admiration of Western systems. Xi had come to the conclusion that unless these issues were all corrected, the country's one-party rule was at risk.
 
At the time, people in China did not realize that Xi's intentions would have massive consequences for China's economy and society later on. It was the turning point from which China began to seek separation from the U.S. Xi pushed for China to be self-reliant.
 
To some extent, Xi is getting what he wanted. The wheels of decoupling have gained speed.
 
In the 11 years under Xi, the fundamental principle that moves China has changed. The party's political logic takes precedence over any logic of economic freedom.
 
One question to ask is: What if the policy is fundamentally wrong in terms of improving people's livelihoods? With a cabinet filled with aides, nobody is going to tell him to change course.