Party of One

An authoritative, clear-minded study … A penetrating and timely unraveling of the personality and impact of a strongman president * Kirkus (starred review) *More than a decade into the era of Xi Jinping, readers ask, ‘Why are there so few penetrating books on China’s leader?’ The answer is that the Communist Party deems even Xi’s birth date too sensitive to disclose. But now, the skilled and energetic journalist Chun Han Wong has drawn on an impressive range of reporting and sources to craft a superb, readable, illuminating portrait of the man and his times. A must-read for China veterans and amateurs alike – Evan OsnosParty of One brims with insights into the multitude of contradictions that make up Xi’s China. It’s a captivating read for anyone seeking to more deeply understand China in the Xi Jinping era. * Bonnie Glaser *“In a crowded marketplace of books about Xi Jinping’s China, Party of One stands head and shoulders above its competitors. Chun Han Wong has combined rigorous investigative skills with a forensic grasp of an opaque political system to produce an enthralling portrait of the leader, and the party, that sits atop the world’s emerging superpower.” * Richard McGregor, author of ‘The Party’ and ‘Asia’s Reckoning’ *Meticulously researched… Wong is a sharp observer of soft authoritarian power and the apparatus of the absolutist state – Michael Sheridan * Sunday Times *Compelling and informative… Wong’s thoughtful book is a useful gateway into [Xi Jinping’s] mind – Rana Mitter * Literary Review *Chun Han Wong’s Party of One brings the best of investigative journalism-telling detail, unforgettable color, and intelligent rigor-to the question of the world’s most powerful person (by far) and the effect of his political dominance on China’s next chapters * Ian Bremmer, author of The Power of Crisis *

Chun Han Wong has covered China for the Wall Street Journal since 2014. He was part of a team of reporters named as Pulitzer Prize finalists for their coverage of China’s autocratic turn under Xi Jinping. As a Journal correspondent in Beijing and Hong Kong, Wong has written widely on subjects spanning elite politics, Communist Party doctrine, human and labor rights, as well as defense and diplomatic affairs. Born and raised in Singapore, Wong is a native speaker of English and Mandarin Chinese. He studied international history at the London School of Economics, where he graduated with first class honors and won the Derby Bryce Prize.