China’s Xi Jinping May Soon Face a Pivotal Moment That Could Undermine His Rule

Xi Jinping has steered China further left, following in the footsteps of Mao Zedong, the country’s founding communist leader. The trajectory of Xi’s power mirrors that of Mao, and a pivotal moment may be on the horizon. Xi’s consolidation of power within the Chinese Communist Party and the removal of dissenting senior Party leaders echo key moments in Mao’s reign. The next significant milestone could be akin to the “Lin Biao moment,” a turning point in Mao’s leadership. The implications of such a moment for Xi’s authority could be profound, just as Lin’s demise shook Mao’s standing. The parallels between Xi’s actions and Mao’s historical events suggest a potential shift in China’s political landscape. His extensive anti-corruption efforts, often seen as a way to eliminate his political adversaries, and his open defiance of Party elders like Hu Jintao have resulted in him becoming increasingly isolated. Sources have revealed that the CCP elders are urging Xi to select a successor, a matter that has been put off since Xi secured his third term. Xi is considering potential successors from his inner circle, with Premier Li Qiang and first-ranked Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang being debated. However, there is a strong preference for Hu Chunhua, a confidant of Hu Jintao, among the broader CCP, including the Hu Jintao faction and influential elders. While Xi’s “Lin Biao moment” may not unfold exactly like Mao’s, an unexpected event related to a successor could greatly diminish his authority. Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of The Epoch Times.

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