At first glance, Chinese President Xi Jinping's life story seems simple. His father was a high-ranking Chinese government official, and opened doors for his son, who rose even higher.

But his rise to become the most powerful Chinese leader since Chairman Mao Zedong seems far more unlikely when you find out what Mao's policies did to Xi's family during his childhood.

In this episode we tell the story of Xi's — from its terrifying beginning to mysterious end — and ask if he is the catalyst for the deterioration of relations between China and Australia.

Guest:

Dr Joseph Torigian, expert on Chinese elite politics, American University

Dr Feng Chongyi — Associate Professor in China Studies — University of Technology, Sydney

Kevin Rudd, former Australian Prime Minister

Louisa Lim, author of The People's Republic of Amnesia and co-host of The Little Red Podcast

Dr Helen Sham-ho OAM, first Chinese-born MP in an Australian Parliament