End of 'Emperor Xi'? Chinese president's disappearance raises questions about who holds reins

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13 hours ago

The absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping for two weeks is raising questions about who is really in control in China. Xi's absence between May 21 and June 5 set tongues wagging about whether there is a possible realignment of power within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Xi is also slated to miss the upcoming Brics summit in Brazil, which is taking place on July 6 and 7 read more
Is it the end of 'Emperor Xi', as US President Donald Trump called him, in China?
Is a power shift imminent?
The absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping for two weeks is raising questions about who really holds the reins in China.
Xi is also slated to miss the upcoming Brics summit in Brazil, which is taking place on July 6 and 7.
This is the first time Xi would be missing the summit since taking power.
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But what happened? What do we know?
Let's take a closer look:
What happened?
Xi was out of public view for two weeks.
His absence between May 21 and June 5 set tongues wagging about whether there is a possible realignment of power within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Xi is General Secretary of the Communist Party and Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC).
According to reports, General Zhang Youxia, the First Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), may currently hold power in China.
Zhang, who is part of the powerful 24-member Politburo, is reportedly backed by senior CCP members who are loyal to ex-Chinese president Hu Jintao.
These members are said to be far less ideologically rigid than Xi, who has tried to codify his views in – which is in textbooks and being taught in schools.
Though Xi continues to hold his many titles, his influence is said to be waning in key sectors such as the military and the economy.
The silence of state media on Xi's absence is also telling.
He Weidong (L) and Zhang Youxia, vice chairmen of Chinese Communist Party Central Military Commission (CMC). Reuters
All these developments come in the backdrop of Wang Yang is reportedly being groomed as Xi's successor.
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Wang, a technocrat himself, in 2022 was considered to be a likely contender for the top job in China.
The removal of generals close to Xi, the slow doing away of 'Xi Jinping Thought' from the narrative and the return of technocrats like Wang are indications that Xi may slowly being shown the door.
This isn't the first time China had sidelined its high profile leaders.
Interestingly, this happened most recently and publicly with Xi's predecessor Hu.
Hu in 2022 was dragged out of the Chinese Communist Party's 20th ceremony.
This occurred as Xi, who was sitting next to Hu, remained unmoving.
Hu was even seen trying to talk to Xi but was publicly rebuffed.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and former President Hu Jintao attend the closing session of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2017. Reuters
Xi at Brics will be replaced by Chinese Premier Premier Li Qiang.
Li previously filled in for Xi at the G20 in India in 2023.
China blamed Xi's absence at Brics on a 'scheduling conflict'.
Does India need to worry?
Experts say India need to be on alert.
They say China often uses external affairs as a way of relieving the pressure from internal disputes.
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They point out that turbulence within the political system in China is often a precursor to conflict on the border – like in 2012 and 2020.
They say China could increase cyberattacks, step up disinformation efforts to try to create problems in India.
China could also take to the United Nations to try to hurt India's international reputation and stymie India's efforts when it comes to reform and counter-terrorism.