Join us on China-Mena as we delve into Xi Jinping's political philosophy and its effects on the Middle East and North Africa. Discover Xi's global vision, autocratic alliances, and conflicts with leaders like India's Modi. With expert insights from Steve Zhang, we'll unravel Xi Jinping Thought, explore the Belt and Road Initiative, and China's diplomatic strategies. Delve into power dynamics, internal party debates, and Xi Jinping's quest for superpower status, exploring its impact on the MENA region. Takeaways:Xi Jinping's Vision versus Other Global South LeadersChina's Redefinition of International OrderThe Ideology of Xi Jinping ThoughtGlobal Diplomacy and Foreign Policy under Xi JinpingBelt and Road Initiative and Global South Relations Quotes "Let's aim to radiate beauty, not just for ourselves but for the Global South and the world. - Steve Tsang "Embrace and uphold Xi's leadership and political thought, fostering unity and determination, even in discomfort." - Steve Tsang Featured in the Episode Steve Tsang Director of the SOAS China Institute Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-tsang-3b937012/ Website: https://www.soas.ac.uk/about/steve-tsang Jonathan Fulton Nonresident Senior Fellow for Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council. Associate Professor of Political Science at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi https://ae.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-fulton-2627414b https://twitter.com/jonathandfulton Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 04:17 - China's political evolution under Mao and beyond. 09:16 - Evolving Chinese economic system: state vs private. 12:19 - Xi Jinping requires widespread support for his ideology. 14:39 - Xi Jinping's vision: unity, control, national rejuvenation. 21:32 - Xi Jinping aims to reshape global power dynamics. 24:07 - China leading democratization of international order, global South. 29:58 - Overview of China's global engagement and state-centric approach. 34:03 - Global South: diverse, India-China tension, leadership struggle. 39:15 - Navigating Soft Power and Wolf Warrior Diplomacy Under Xi Jinping 44:58 - Steering China's Assertive Stance and Western Relations 49:10 - Outro