Obsessing over secrets in Chinese elite politics

For the foreseeable future, rumours regarding Chinese elite politics are not going anywhere. But the stakes are very high, and getting China and its leadership right is critically important. For Beijing, explaining governance mechanisms and promoting public accountability are essential for facilitating its global communications. For Washington, DC and foreign countries, the knowledge of China must be revitalised to restore data gathering and verification capabilities. For scholars and China observers, “listeners under the bed” stand as a cautionary reminder to avoid the trap of hearsay. True insight demands more fact-oriented methodology, critical thinking and understanding of perspectives across social strata, sharpening the ability to discern signals from noise.