S8 Ep1177: Charles Burton and Gordon Chang note Xi Jinping broke tradition by skipping the 50th anniversary of the devastating Tangshan earthquake, sending a surrogate instead. Burton suggests this absence may signal political instability or paranoia regarding his d
S8 Ep1177: Charles Burton and Gordon Chang note Xi Jinping broke tradition by skipping the 50th anniversary of the devastating Tangshan earthquake, sending a surrogate instead. Burton suggests this absence may signal political instability or paranoia regarding his d  
Podcast: The John Batchelor Show
Published On: Thu Jul 30 2026
Description: Charles Burton and Gordon Chang note Xi Jinping broke tradition by skipping the 50th anniversary of the devastating Tangshan earthquake, sending a surrogate instead. Burton suggests this absence may signal political instability or paranoia regarding his domestic standing. The earthquake historically symbolizes a loss of the "mandate of heaven." Furthermore, vacancies on the Central Military Commission and the mysterious death of former Premier Li Keqiangindicate profound internal disarray and a lack of clear succession. (3)1945 TOKYO STATION POSTCARD