Why a 7th-Century Prophecy Still Haunts Xi Jinping — and Geopolitics

May 10, 2026 - 13:32

Why does an ancient Chinese prophecy still fascinate — and possibly unsettle — China’s leadership today? In this episode, we explore the mysterious 7th-century text Tui Bei Tu, a prophecy book long associated with dynastic collapse, political upheaval, and the fate of rulers. From Xi Jinping’s rumored interest in mysticism to modern interpretations involving Donald Trump, Zhang Youxia, and the CCP’s internal power struggles, we examine why this ancient prophecy has resurfaced at the center of today’s geopolitical tensions. And with Trump preparing for a highly watched upcoming visit to Beijing, some Chinese observers believe the symbolism surrounding these prophecies is becoming even harder to ignore. Is it superstition, political psychology, or something deeper?