Latest news with #XiJinpingThought
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First Post
a day ago
- Politics
- First Post
End of 'Emperor Xi'? Chinese president's disappearance raises questions about who holds reins
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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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.
News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Xi Jinping's Public Absence Fuels Speculation Amid Power Shake-Up In China
Xi's absence from official engagements, state media coverage, and high-profile diplomatic meetings coincided with a wave of top-level purges in PLA and mounting economic challenges Chinese President Xi Jinping's unusual disappearance from public view between May 21 and June 5 this year has sparked intense speculation about internal political adjustments at the highest levels of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), CNN-News18 has learnt. According to multiple media reports, Xi's sudden absence from official engagements, state media coverage, and high-profile diplomatic meetings coincided with a wave of top-level purges in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and mounting economic challenges in core sectors of China's economy. Observers suggest that behind closed doors, Beijing is undergoing a quiet yet significant recalibration of power. Notably, Xi was absent from the front pages of People's Daily and Xinhua—the CCP's primary propaganda outlets—from June 2 to 5, a rare break from his consistent daily coverage since 2017. During this period, high-stakes diplomatic meetings with foreign delegations were instead handled by Premier Li Qiang and Vice Premier He Lifeng, suggesting a temporary shift in the presentation of state leadership. In his absence, public appearances by second-tier party officials and respected party elders have added to speculation that the internal command structure of the CCP is being reworked, possibly to stabilise growing dissent or manage factional tensions. The People's Liberation Army has also seen sweeping changes. Since early 2023, key figures such as General He Weidong (Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission), General Miao Hua (Chief of Political Work), and General Lin Xiangyang (Commander of the Eastern Theater Command) have been removed. The PLA's powerful Rocket Force and Western Theater Command have also undergone major leadership reshuffles, hinting at systemic unease within China's military hierarchy. On June 6, a constitutional loyalty ceremony organised by China's State Council—attended by over 50 ministers and top department heads—was conspicuously held without Xi's presence. Meanwhile, at international forums, delegates were seen reciting 'Xi Jinping Thought" in the President's absence—a symbolic move that drew attention to his physical nonappearance even as his ideological presence was reinforced. Analysts are divided over the implications: some view this as a calculated pause by Xi to recalibrate political structures amid crisis, while others suggest potential internal challenges to his authority, following a year of economic setbacks and increased scrutiny of his centralisation of power. While the Chinese government has offered no explanation for Xi's reduced public visibility, the convergence of diplomatic stand-ins, military purges, and symbolic omissions has led many to believe that China's political landscape may be entering a sensitive transitional phase. About the Author Manoj Gupta Location : Beijing, China First Published: June 30, 2025, 09:07 IST
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Business Standard
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
The Political Thought of Xi Jinping: Party's history beyond question
The authors have successfully painted a picture of what China looks like under Xi and how it is different from earlier regimes Premium THE POLITICAL THOUGHT OF XI JINPING by Steve Tsang and Olivia Cheung Oxford University Press 296 pages ₹995 Since the establishment of the People's Republic of China under Chinese Communist Party (CCP) there have been efforts by every leader to leave an indelible mark on the history of the party, Chinese politics and society. Since Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping, no one has come close to achieving this feat — but Xi Jinping is definitely serious about being the next one to do so. The primary goal of Xi Jinping Thought is to make China great again and is driven by
South China Morning Post
09-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
In Europe, Xi Jinping's Russia trip casts a shadow over China's charm offensive
At China's fortress-like embassy in the leafy suburbs of Brussels on Tuesday, wine and beer flowed as around 800 guests – including senior EU officials and diplomats from the United States – were offered hardback copies of Xi Jinping Thought, in several European languages, and ate from a lavish Chinese buffet. Advertisement Earlier that day, an estimated 1,500 people gathered at the EU's embassy in Beijing, while a smaller event took place at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday – all commemorating the 50th anniversary of China establishing diplomatic relations with the European Union Leaders exchanged warm congratulatory letters stripped of the barbs about Russia and trade that have come to define the pair's spiky engagements in recent years, while glowing speeches touted 'deeper cooperation', and only briefly touched on underlying difficulties. 01:57 Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Chinese firms of supplying artillery and missiles to Russia Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Chinese firms of supplying artillery and missiles to Russia The events form the cornerstone of a Chinese charm offensive that has gathered pace in recent weeks, as Beijing looks to capitalise on a dramatic shift in posture in the US under returning President Donald Trump , who has turned hostile towards Europe and shredded the transatlantic alliance. On the face of it, the pageantry, the toasts and the bonhomie this week suggest that Beijing's efforts are paying off. Europe appears, at times, to be receptive to its advances. But 2,500km (1,550 miles) away, an even bigger anniversary event is a reminder of the single biggest stumbling block to a meaningful rapprochement: China's cosy ties with Russia Advertisement
