We discuss the ongoing Chinese Communist Party congress, where paramount leader Xi Jinping is expected to secure himself a third term in power. We break down what you should know about the congress, why the zero-COVID policy looms so large over it, and what Xi might do in the coming years.

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First, Monica Hunter-Hart and Waj Khan go over the basics of the event (2:35). Then Alice French explains the worsening toll Xi's zero-COVID policy is taking on the Chinese economy and population (9:33). Finally, Monica interviews the Lowy Institute's Richard McGregor about Xi's influence and what he might do next (13:20). Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart, with a regular Tokyo Dispatch segment by Alice French.

Related to this episode:

Self-isolated: China's lonely zero-COVID battle in spotlight as Xi seeks third term, by Nikkei staff writers

Analysis: Xi's coronation ceremony opens on date of China's first atom bomb, by Katsuji Nakazawa

Opinion: Xi Jinping is preparing the Communist Party to face new realities, by Yu Jie

Transcript: President Xi Jinping's report to China's 2022 party congress