Xi Jinping disappears mysteriously, sparks talks about his successor, these 5 persons could become China president
There is no clear successor, but General Zhang Youxia in particular remains important. General Zhang is the first vice president and key military face of China's powerful Central Military Commission. In such a situation, his support is important for the next successor. Senior party leaders close to former President Hu Jintao are said to be supporting him, which has strengthened his position. General Zhang is believed to be strengthening his influence in Xi's absence. Who are the main contenders?
Li Qiang: Li Qiang, a longtime aide of Xi Jinping, was appointed prime minister in 2023. His leadership during Shanghai's strict COVID-19 lockdown and recent high-profile international appearances, including replacing Xi Jinping at the G-20, show his high status. As the head of the State Council, he oversees China's economy, making him the second most powerful person in the government.
Ding Shujiang: Ding, who has served as Xi Jinping's chief of staff, is seen as his closest aide. He has risen rapidly without assuming the role of provincial leadership. Xi's blessings are said to be behind this. Now he manages key areas of policy coordination. His proximity to power makes him a key player.
Wang Huning: He is currently the chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Wang is known as the party's chief theorist and has served under three presidents. His influence on ideology gives him strategic importance. However, he lacks administrative experience, making him more likely to become a kingmaker than a king.
Zhao Leji: A former leader of the anti-corruption movement, Zhao is a senior member of the Politburo Standing Committee and serves as chairman of the National People's Congress. His current role in the national legislature gives him visibility and authority, especially in constitutional and legal matters. He is a key figure in the list of potential successors.
Li Hongzhong: Senior Chinese Communist Party leader and Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress, Li Hongzhong is also in the race. Li has risen from the regional ranks. Though he is not as visible internationally, his influence within the party structure and loyal support for Xi makes him one of the most influential contenders.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
India.com
36 minutes ago
- India.com
Dollar Dominance, Trade Risks & Delhi's Balancing Act – Why Trump's BRICS Threats Matter For India
New Delhi: At a time when India inches closer to finalising a trade deal with the United States, a thunderclap from Washington has cast shadows over the celebration. US President Donald Trump's blunt message, posted publicly this week, warned that any country aligning with what he described as BRICS' 'anti-American policies' would face an additional 10% tariff without exceptions. As one of the founding members of BRICS, India finds itself at the centre of this growing storm. The recently concluded Rio de Janeiro summit of the bloc had laid out an ambitious declaration. There was no mention of the United States, but it still sent ripples through Washington. The BRICS statement challenged unilateral economic measures, defended multilateralism, voiced concern over tariffs that disrupt global trade and pushed for changes to global governance. These words appear to have stung. What followed was Trump's retaliation. On his Truth Social platform, he wrote that siding with BRICS' economic vision would come at a cost. The timing could not have been more crucial. He is expected to begin announcing trade deals from Monday, and India is among the countries on the list. In Delhi, this new tension is being watched with a mix of caution and calculation. Trade experts in the capital believe the core of Trump's anger lies deeper within the BRICS push for currency alternatives. For years, Russia and China have spoken of a new financial system to bypass the dollar. In 2022, Russia even floated a proposal for a BRICS reserve currency. Many Indian analysts suspect this is what triggered Trump's fury. The dollar remains Washington's most powerful economic weapon. The United States used it in 2012 to isolate Iran and again in 2022 against Russia. Any attempt to weaken its grip invites blowback. Despite its lack of political cohesion, BRICS still threatens that power by raising the idea of currency diversification. Indian economists see the bigger picture. The call for a common BRICS currency faces hurdles. Political will is scattered. China's dominance in the bloc sparks unease among other members. But the conversations alone unsettle Washington. That is why even vague references to multilateral financial systems draw fire. Meanwhile, India, experts are of the view, must walk a fine line. It is preparing for what is being described as a 'mini trade deal' with the United States. Reports suggest Delhi has already agreed to a baseline 10% tariff, but higher rates – up to 26% – remain on the table. Agriculture and dairy continue to be sticking points. At the same time, India cannot ignore its standing in BRICS. It shares that space with strategic rivals like China but also long-standing defence and energy partners like Russia. The bloc includes emerging economies looking for new trade paths. Turning away completely would be costly. Domestic industry lobbies in India are growing nervous. Sectors like textiles, pharma and information technology could suffer if Trump hikes tariffs further. Executives fear the fallout of a new wave of American protectionism. What adds to the anxiety is the unpredictability. Trump has changed course before. His sudden termination of a long-standing free trade pact with Vietnam has become a cautionary tale. Despite the tensions, some foreign policy voices in Delhi urge calm. They argue that BRICS has always been an idea more than an institution. Its members rarely share political agendas or geographical interests. But that has not stopped it from becoming a target. Others believe Trump's aggressive approach may backfire. His posture could push India to double down on groups such as BRICS and the Global South. But that path brings its own dilemmas, especially with China pulling the strings in many of these platforms. At the heart of it all, the challenge remains the same – can India navigate between its old allies and emerging coalitions without inviting punishment from either? With Trump's new tariffs looming, the question is no longer hypothetical. The countdown has begun.
India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
No place for double standards on terrorism: PM Modi's strong message in Brazil
India and Brazil strongly oppose terrorism and those who support it, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while asserting that there is no place for double standards on terrorism, in a veiled reference to Pakistan and its all-weather ally China."Our thinking on the fight against terrorism is aligned - zero-tolerance and zero-double standards," PM Modi said during a joint press statement with Brazilian President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva after their delegation-level and Brazil strongly oppose terrorism and those who support it, the prime minister said, without naming any country. In the past, India has described Pakistan as the "global epicentre of terrorism." "There is no place for double standards on terrorism," he said, in a veiled reference to China, which is an all-weather ally of Pakistan. PM Modi thanked President Lula for its solidarity and support in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack in the meeting, the two leaders held extensive discussions on multifaceted ties, including trade and investment, defence and security, health and pharmaceuticals, space, renewable energy, food and energy security, infrastructure development, digital public infrastructure, culture and people-to-people ties, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal explored avenues for collaboration in the new areas of critical minerals, new and emerging technologies, AI & supercomputers, digital collaboration & mobility, he said, adding that they set a bilateral trade target of USD 20 billion over the next five the talks, the two sides inked agreements to bolster cooperation in several Modi, who arrived here for a State Visit after attending the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, said his trip to Brazil will add momentum to the bilateral PM Modi received a grand ceremonial welcome featuring a unique 114-horse parade at the Alvorada Palace in Brasilia. He also witnessed an Indian classical bhajan performance during his reception.- EndsTune InMust Watch
News18
an hour ago
- News18
'They'll Have To Pay': Trump Warns India, Other BRICS Members Of Extra 10% Tariff
Last Updated: Donald Trump said White House tariff letters represent trade deals as he warned BRICS of a 10% tariff. US President Donald Trump said that the tariff letters sent by the White House to various countries effectively represent trade deals. During a cabinet meeting, Donald Trump said, 'A letter means a deal because it is a better way- because we have 200 countries." The comment comes amid Donald Trump's sweeping trade overhaul, under which more than a dozen countries received formal notices of tariff hikes, with rates ranging from 25% to 40%. The White House said these moves are aimed at correcting long-standing trade imbalances and pressuring countries to engage on more favorable terms. Donald Trump's Warning To BRICS Nations Donald Trump issued a clear warning to BRICS nations- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa- which has been expanding and exploring alternatives to US-dollar-dominated trade systems. Donald Trump said, 'BRICS was set up to undermine the dollar. If they are a member of BRICS, they have to pay a 10% tariff." Reaffirming his commitment to defending the dollar's dominance in global finance, Donald Trump said bluntly, 'The dollar is king. We are going to keep it that way. If people want to challenge it, they can. But they will have to pay a big price. I don't think any of them are going to pay that price." The 10% surcharge, he suggested, would apply broadly to nations formally joining or actively aligning themselves with BRICS, adding another layer to his administration's confrontational economic posture. He reiterated that the letters function as non-negotiable offers- signaling that compliance, not prolonged talks, is his preferred path to economic alignment. Donald Trump's Tariffs Under Donald Trump's new tariff regime, the United States imposed sharply increased rates on 14 countries, with the highest levies targeting Laos and Myanmar at 40 percent, followed by Thailand and Cambodia at 36 percent and Bangladesh and Serbia at 35 percent. Indonesia faces a 32 percent rate while South Africa and Bosnia and Herzegovina are hit with 30 percent tariffs. A 25 percent tariff has been applied to Malaysia, Tunisia, Japan, South Korea and Kazakhstan. These tariffs are set to take effect on August 1. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments First Published: July 08, 2025, 23:06 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
