Q&A · 2:54:27-2:54:36

Could personal legacy push Xi toward Taiwan?

A proposed personal incentive to take Taiwan draws a brief observation about legacy seeking among older leaders.

Political Leadership Strategic Decision Making Taiwan Xi Jinping

Question

Could the desire to secure a historic legacy influence Xi Jinping's decision on Taiwan?

Short answer

Legacy seeking is identified as a normal motive among older leaders, without a specific assessment of its weight in Xi's decisions.

Notes

The prospect of eclipsing Mao Zedong is the audience member's proposed motive for taking Taiwan. The reply observes that older leaders commonly seek a legacy. It does not establish how much that motive affects Xi Jinping's decisions.