The death of Mao Zedong 43 years ago freed the Chinese people from his idiosyncratic brand of repression. The dramatic entry of the People’s Republic of China into the international economic system transformed China, lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, and created a new world power.

Contrary to the hopes of many advocates of engagement, economic integration did not bring political liberalization, though the PRC’s control became less than absolute. Carefully calibrated dissent could be expressed on policy, though one could not challenge the Chinese Communist Party’s control. Contacts with the West burgeoned. 

Then came Xi Jinping. The time he spent in America as a student seemed to fill him more with fear than respect. Since becoming president in 2013, he has consolidated his personal power and strengthened the CCP’s control. In effect, he has revived Maoism and totalitarianism, attempting to crush any hint of dissent.

A million or more Muslim Uighurs are in reeducation camps. A national campaign is in full swing to suppress religious faith, with an effort to turn churches into propaganda chambers for the CCP. Internet censorship is tighter; academic exchanges are tougher. Political education is being reinstated for students. Journalists are being...