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The Chinese business tycoon revealing the secrets of Beijing's elite | 60 Minutes Australia

60 Minutes Australia・14 minutes read

Desmond Shum, a former Chinese tycoon, faces retaliation from the Communist Party for exposing secrets about China's elite leaders through a book about his ex-wife's disappearance, highlighting the risks of dissent in China under Xi Jinping's authoritarian rule. Despite facing threats to his safety and his son's well-being, Desmond's refusal to comply with the regime's demands aims to shed light on the true cost of doing business in China and the dangers of speaking out against the government.

Insights

  • Chinese regime retaliates against critics like Desmond Shum, who exposed elite leaders' secrets through a book about his ex-wife's disappearance, highlighting the risks of dissent in China under Xi Jinping's rule.
  • Desmond and Whitney's experiences underscore that in China, connections to the Communist Party outweigh wealth, with those targeted by the regime often reappearing after admitting guilt but remaining outcasts, emphasizing the authoritarian nature of the current regime.

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Recent questions

  • Why did Desmond Shum write a book?

    To expose secrets of China's elite leaders.

  • What happened to Whitney Dewan?

    She disappeared under President Xi Jinping's rule.

  • What is the Communist Party's stance on dissent?

    Crackdown on dissenters reflects authoritarianism under Xi Jinping.

  • What risks did Desmond Shum face?

    Safety threats due to book publication.

  • How did Xi Jinping's policies impact business ventures?

    Impact on business due to crackdown on corruption.

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Summary

00:00

Exposing China's Elite: Desmond Shum's Story

  • The Chinese regime is known for retaliating against critics, including Chinese citizens like Desmond Shum, a former tycoon who fell out of favor with the Communist Party.
  • Desmond Shum, now living in the UK, decided to expose secrets of China's elite leaders by publishing a book about his ex-wife's disappearance.
  • Whitney Dewan, one of China's richest women, vanished in 2017 under President Xi Jinping's rule, joining a list of disappeared individuals like Australian anchor Chiang Lai and Jack Ma.
  • Those taken by the regime often reappear after admitting guilt or charges, but few are rehabilitated, remaining outcasts.
  • Money holds no value in China's system; blood ties to the Communist Party are crucial, as exemplified by Whitney's disappearance despite her wealth.
  • Desmond and Whitney's successful business ventures in China were impacted by Xi Jinping's crackdown on corruption and political rivals.
  • Whitney's disappearance led Desmond to write a book, risking his safety, which was confirmed when Whitney called him to halt the book launch.
  • Whitney's call hinted at threats, implying Desmond's son's safety could be at risk if the book was published.
  • The regime's crackdown on dissenters, like Whitney and others, reflects a new era of authoritarianism under Xi Jinping's rule.
  • Desmond's refusal to submit to the regime's demands aims to shed light on the risks of doing business in China and the true cost of dissent.

18:34

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