Pyongyang or Seoul: Xi Jinping’s escape plan meets reality

Lei's Real Talk

6 Oct 2025  International relations & Geopolitics

As China’s long-delayed Fourth Plenum approaches, all eyes are on Xi Jinping’s uncertain travel plans. Will he appear at APEC in South Korea—or vanish into North Korea under the guise of diplomacy? This episode examines leaked reports of Xi’s escape routes, the sudden cancellation of his Seoul hotel booking, and Pyongyang’s quiet negotiations with Beijing. What does this mean for Xi’s political survival, China’s internal power realignment, and the future of the CCP? Developments on the Korean Peninsula in the coming weeks could redefine China’s leadership.