“Apologies, PM: Joe Biden’s Right – Xi Jinping Truly Embodies…”

Sorry Prime Minister, Joe Biden was right – Xi Jinping really is a ‘dictator’

In Defense of Biden’s Comments

In a surprising turn of events, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins found himself defending China’s leader, Xi Jinping, during a disagreement between the United States and China. But as Nicholas Khoo, an Associate Professor of International Politics at the University of Otago, argues, President Joe Biden was indeed correct in referring to Xi Jinping as a “dictator”. While China’s foreign ministry spokesperson called Biden’s comments “irresponsible”, Khoo emphasizes the importance of looking at the facts when analyzing Xi Jinping’s role as the leader of China.

The Definition of a Dictator

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a dictator is defined as “an absolute ruler of a state”. When applying this definition to Xi Jinping, it becomes clear that he fits the bill. As the general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Xi Jinping holds significant power and authority in China. Additionally, the CCP constitution upholds the concept of the “people’s democratic dictatorship”, which serves as the theoretical basis for the party’s rule.

The People’s Democratic Dictatorship in Practice

While the concept of the “people’s democratic dictatorship” may sound contradictory, it is a cornerstone of the Chinese political system. It grants the CCP the authority to maintain dictatorship over certain classes of people in China, ensuring their adherence to party ideology and preventing them from speaking out against the party’s interests.

In practice, this concept legitimizes Xi Jinping’s rule and establishes him as the most powerful leader in China since Mao Zedong. The lack of competitive multiparty elections and the predictable selection process for the general secretary of the CCP clearly reflect a system of dictatorship. Therefore, it is accurate to describe Xi Jinping as a dictator.

Prime Minister’s Response

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, however, took a different stance on Biden’s comments. When asked if he agreed with the characterization of Xi Jinping as a dictator, Hipkins responded by saying that the form of government in China is a matter for the Chinese people to decide. While this may be true in theory, the reality is that China’s political system does not allow for the citizens to have a say in the selection of their leader.

The Need for Serious Consideration

As Hipkins prepares for his upcoming visit to China and his meeting with Xi Jinping, it is crucial for him to give serious thought to the issues at hand. History has shown that dictatorships and liberal democracies often have adversarial relationships, and China’s opposition to bourgeois liberalization is well-documented in the CCP constitution. The complex ideological differences and great-power rivalry in the 21st century demand a foreign policy that aligns with the challenges faced by New Zealand.

Conclusion

While it may be unusual for a New Zealand Prime Minister to side with China in a disagreement with the United States, it is important to acknowledge the factual reality of the situation. Xi Jinping’s position as the leader of China, along with the lack of democratic processes in selecting the leader, makes it accurate to label him as a dictator. As New Zealand navigates its foreign policy in the face of these challenges, it is imperative to consider the history of dictatorships and the potential consequences of engaging with them.