Chinese society

A country for old men

China's culture of paternalism means that former leaders never truly give up power.
China's current and former presidents: Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin. Who's really in charge? (AFP)

A popular quip in China caricatures how the country’s leadership is really decided: the 80-year-olds summon the 70-year-olds to discuss which 60-year-olds should retire. The leadership might change, but the elders will probably continue to wield power in the country’s cabinet.

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