The dark reality behind Xi Jinping's rise

On Wednesday, China will mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of its People’s Republic.

As in years past, Chinese President Xi Jinping will stand before the iconic Tiananmen Gate under the looming portrait of Mao Zedong and deliver a carefully crafted speech. The message will be familiar: The Communist Party has lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty, puts the Chinese people first, declares reunification with Taiwan as “inevitable,” and is leading China toward its goal of “national rejuvenation.”