In the name of the father

American academic Joseph Torigian has attempted to write a biography of Xi Zhongxun, a senior member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the father of Xi Jinping.

- GUNJAN SINGH

This effort is commendable given the CCP's opaque nature. Writing a free and open biography is tougher because, as the author explains, the "weaponisation of Xi Zhongxun's life by both his son's detractors and his son's boosters, as well as by the inherently political nature of party history raises serious challenges for any potential biographers."

The title of the book is rooted in a well-worn anecdote. "During the revolution, Mao often gave short, pithy formulations to characterise his favourite cadres. For Xi, Mao wrote the words, 'The party's interests come first' on a white cloth and gave it to him as a gift. It became one of Xi's most treasured possessions." It also became the driving force for his political and personal life.