From the Intelligence, I'm Jason Palmer. This is episode one of a new eight-part podcast

series from the Economist. The show is called The Prince, and it's about the leader of China,

Xi Jinping. It's hosted by my excellent colleague, Su Lin-Wong. I didn't realize how little I

knew about Mr. Xi's life and background until I heard her reporting. You'll hear a story

full of all kinds of intrigues, and along the way learn a lot about the power dynamics among China's

elites. Su Lin has gone deep here beyond the usual talking heads, and it's found some fascinating

characters. If you listen to this episode and can't wait for the next one, you can hear the whole

series now by searching for The Prince on your podcast app.

In 2012, a couple of months before Xi Jinping became China's leader, he disappeared.

China is refusing to comment on a mystery surrounding the man who's expected to be the next president.

59-year-old Xi Jinping has not been seen publicly since September 1. Government censors are blocking

search results for Xi's name. See cancel meetings with foreign dignitaries, including the then US

Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. Was he the target of an assassination attempt? Did he

hurt his back playing football? A frustrated reporter tried asking a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman

about the rumors. Can you at least confirm Xi Jinping is still alive? The spokesman scoffed.

I hope you can ask a serious question.

And then, after 14 days, as quickly and as mysteriously as he'd gone away, see resurfaced.

There was an American delegation I was part of it that traveled to China and was given a meeting

with Xi Jinping in September of 2012. Eva Madiros was the top China advisor in the White House at the time,

and an unwitting extra in a piece of political theater. He did something he never usually does,

which is at the end of the meeting, he said, hey everybody, let's all stand at the back of the room

and take a picture, which of course was promptly plastered all over people's daily.

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