Carl Zha, a Chinese-American podcast host renowned for his Silk and Steel show that uncovers hidden layers of Chinese history, culture, and politics, joined Jerm in the ancient city of Kashgar for a chat about Mao Zedong's legacy.

They delved into a more nuanced view, pushing back against the mainstream hysteria and oversimplified tales by highlighting overlooked truths like how Mao rallied China against foreign domination, ignited rapid industrialisation, and laid groundwork for unity and progress, even as his bold moves sparked massive upheavals often exaggerated by the West.

The topic remains deeply controversial, with Mao seen by many as a visionary who transformed a fractured nation into a powerhouse, though his era's harsh realities fuel endless debates.

Eager to connect with this history, they tried visiting one of China's rare surviving Mao statues, but faced unexpected barriers that underscored the lingering tensions and suppressed stories around this enigmatic figure.

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