It was a sort of Communist version of the Chamber of Princes. The ceremonial launch of Xi Jinping, China’s new president for a 10-year term, in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing recently had some of the grandiose trappings of a feudal anointing. As secretary general of the politburo, Mr Xi, together with his fellow members, lined up in Western suits and red ties on stage against a gigantic decorative backdrop of mountains, lakes and gushing waterfalls. The new helmsman then proceeded to pay flowery tribute to the greatness, heroism and strength of the Chinese people — who, of course, had no direct hand in choosing him.

><table width='100%' border=0 cellspacing=0><tr><td style='FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 18px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: #0253B7;'><B>Sunil Sethi:</B> In the chambers of princes</td></tr><tr><tr><td style='FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 11px; '>As a new prince moves centre stage in New Delhi, Tavleen Singh

Sunil Sethi: In the chambers of princes

As a new prince moves centre stage in New Delhi, Tavleen Singhs political memoir, Durbar, is a cautionary tale of the illusions of courtiers and elitist delusions

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