The Xi Jinping question: Is China's 'leader for life' planning his exit? Or just delegation of powers?

Time of India

2 days ago

Chinese President Xi Jinping, seen widely as a leader for life, is reportedly beginning to delegate authority to key institutions of the ruling Communist Party, raising speculation about a possible transition of power or retirement planning after over a decade at the helm.
According to a report by state-run Xinhua news agency, the 24-member Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) reviewed a new set of regulations during its meeting on June 30. The meeting, presided over by Xi, focused on standardising the responsibilities, establishment, and functioning of the CPC Central Committee's decision-making, deliberative, and coordinating institutions.
Xinhua noted that these institutions are expected to enhance leadership and coordination on major national tasks.
The announcement triggered talk among observers that Xi, in power since 2012, may be preparing for a shift in his role.
A political analyst based in China, speaking to the South China Morning Post on condition of anonymity, said: 'The rules may be set up to regulate the bodies because it's a key time for power transition.' The Hong Kong-based publication carried the report on Sunday.
However, other experts suggest the changes may simply reflect Xi's desire to step back from day-to-day governance while retaining overall control.
Victor Shih, a specialist in Chinese elite politics and finance at the University of California San Diego, told the Post, 'It does seem that Xi might pay less attention to day-to-day details, which necessitates a policing mechanism to ensure that his policy priorities are still being carried out by lower-level officials.
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Adding to the speculation was Xi's absence from the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, which began on Sunday.
For the first time since assuming the presidency, Xi skipped the gathering of emerging economies. Chinese Premier Li Qiang is representing the country instead.
The backdrop to this development includes mounting pressure on China's economy. The ongoing tariff war with the US, which has impacted exports worth USD 440 billion, combined with a slump in the housing market and the effects of the now-abandoned zero COVID policy, has weighed heavily on economic growth.
Since becoming General Secretary of the CPC in 2012, Xi rapidly consolidated power across the party, the presidency, and the military. He led a massive anti-corruption campaign, resulting in punishment for over a million officials and the removal of several top generals. In 2016, he was declared the 'core leader' of the party, a status previously held only by founder Mao Zedong.
In 2018, China's legislature scrapped the presidential term limit, enabling Xi to secure an unprecedented third five-year term as General Secretary in 2022, followed by a third presidential term in 2023. His predecessors had retired after two terms.
Analysts believe that Xi's plans—whether to retain control or facilitate an eventual handover—may become clearer by the next CPC congress scheduled for 2027, when his current term ends.