After years working in the world of diplomacy, I have developed an ability to read the real meaning and intentions behind world leaders¡¯ remarks ¡ª especially those of dictators in authoritarian states where secrecy is rampant. (Although I do take full responsibility for any errors or mistranslations, of course.)
Two weeks ago, I wrote that Chinese President Xi Jinping¡¯s absence from the Group of 20 summit in New Delhi was due to internal and external troubles that prevented him from attending. China¡¯s economy continues to stagnate due to factors such as a sluggish real estate market, lack of consumer spending and excessive debt which are, unfortunately, caused by socio-political rather than economic forces.
In May, Xi wrote a letter to the students of China Agricultural University, stating: ¡°Only when you enter rural China will you learn what it means to ¡®seek truth based on facts¡¯ and how to unite with the masses. Hard work is worth it and the Chinese youth of the new era should naturally possess such a spirit.¡±
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