Daily Skimm: China, The UK, and Diwali

It’s Xi, Hi

The Story

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s not going anywhere, anytime soon.

Tell me.

Yesterday, the 69-year-old secured another term — and possibly the rest of his life — as head of the ruling Communist Party. That’s because, under Xi’s rule in 2018, China’s legislature voted to get rid of presidential term limits in the country’s constitution. And like any standard autocrat, opposition like the No. 2 leader Premier Li Keqiang are out, and supporters are in. Xi’s newly appointed inner circle is now made up entirely of loyal allies.

What’s going to happen?

Xi is planning to double down on his previous agenda. Like remaining committed to the country’s “zero-COVID” policy — despite the impacts on the Chinese economy and widespread discontent. He’s also set on the “reunification and the rejuvenation” of the self-governing island Taiwan…even though President Biden’s warning of a military response if China invades with an "unprecedented attack."

How are people reacting?

Leading up to his reappointment, banners in Beijing condemned Xi as a “dictator.” The protests were a rare and bold move considering the state’s censorship, propaganda, and surveillance systems make it harder for Chinese citizens to protest and voice their discontent. Images and any mention of the banners were later wiped from the Chinese internet. But on college campuses around the world, (hi, New York) protestors echoed similar resentment with Xi.

theSkimm

Since Xi rose to power a decade ago, he’s solidified his position on the international stage. Now, signs show that he’s nowhere near done in reaching his goal of becoming one of modern China’s most powerful leaders.

And Also...This

Where the race is on…

The UK. Yesterday, Rishi Sunak confirmed he’s joining the race to become the leader of the Conservative Party and the country’s next prime minister (again). In case you blinked and missed it, Liz Truss resigned from the role last week after 44 days in office. And Sunak — a former chancellor who lost to Truss in the September race — appears to be the next political tribute to move into 10 Downing Street. Reminder: in order to appear on the party’s ballot, candidates need at least 100 thumbs up from fellow lawmakers by today. Sunak is leading the race with over 150 votes — and competition is weak. Especially now that Boris Johnson is saying "hasta la vista, baby" to a potential comeback. If Sunak remains the only candidate with 100 votes by today at 9 am ET, he’ll automatically become leader. 

Who people are watching out for…

Elnaz Rekabi. Over the weekend, officials reportedly shut down reports that the Iranian rock climber is under house arrest. Rekabi received a hero's welcome in Tehran last week after viral videos showed her competing without a headscarf in South Korea. Many interpreted her appearance as a sign of solidarity with the ongoing demonstrations in Iran over the death of Mahsa Amini. But it also stirred up fears that Rekabi could be another target of the regime’s crackdown. She later apologized for the lack of hijab, chalking it up to a wardrobe malfunction. Officials reportedly say Rekabi’s staying at home with her family resting…but with Iran’s history around public confessions, many are still sounding the alarm. 

Salman Rushdie. Over the weekend, the world-renowned author's agent said Rushdie has lost sight in one eye and the use of a hand. Over the summer, Rushdie — who had a target on his back from the Iranian regime — was stabbed before giving a lecture in western New York. Police arrested a 24-year-old man at the scene. Now, despite the “brutal attack,” Rushdie’s agent says the writer will live.  

Who’s being put in the hot seat…

Former President Trump. On Friday, the Jan 6 committee subpoenaed Trump to testify about his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The panel wants Trump to share more about his actions and statements the day of the attack. And is also asking him to turn over documents (think: communication with extremist groups involved). TBD on how Trump will respond to the subpoena — his legal team says it’s still mulling things over. He could try to fight it in court, comply, or leave it on read. But Steve Bannon, a witness who defied the committee, was sentenced to four months behind bars for refusing to show up to a Jan 6 hearing.

Google. On Friday, the RNC sued Google, alleging the tech giant sends its emails to spam folders. Google’s denying the “discrimination” claims, saying “Gmail’s spam filters reflect users’ actions.” It comes as conservatives have long claimed that the algorithms in platforms like social media and email filter out right-wing ideologies and are politically biased. But Google's saying 'not me' and pointed to the fact that they've been working with the FEC to loosen spam filters on campaign emails.

While Travis Scott has the internet talking…

21 Savage and Drake have a new album dropping. 

While the Phillies and Astros are all lit up…

So is Diwali.