Fewer Close-Ups of Xi Jinping in Cultural Performance Reports, Zhang Youxia’s Unique Position Author: Mei Lingshuang

Caption: Rumors from Beijing suggest plans to bring down the "New Gang of Four." (Illustration by People News)

People News - According to reports from the Chinese military’s official website, the People’s Liberation Army Daily, and Xinhua News Agency, the Central Military Commission (CMC) held a Spring Festival cultural performance on January 17 in Beijing to honour retired military cadres stationed in the capital. Xi Jinping attended the event alongside CMC members Zhang Youxia, He Weidong, Liu Zhenli, and Zhang Shengmin, notably missing Miao Hua, who had already fallen from power.

In reports from military media and Xinhua, mentions of loyalty terms such as "Xi Jinping Thought," "Strengthening the Army Thought," "Two Establishes," and "Two Safeguards" were consistent with similar reports from January 2024. However, references to the "Four Consciousnesses" and "Four Confidences" were absent. The omission of these two sets of terms—"political consciousness, overall awareness, core consciousness, and alignment consciousness"—could suggest they are no longer as emphasized, perhaps reflecting a decline in Xi’s political standing. As for the "confidence in the path, theory, system, and culture," it may have been left out because, amid internal and external challenges, the CCP itself finds it hard to project confidence.

Some may argue that the continued use of other loyalty phrases demonstrates that Xi still holds military and party power. However, as I have analyzed previously, this is likely a façade to obscure the reality before an official announcement of Xi’s diminished authority. Beyond the omission of the "Four Consciousnesses" and "Four Confidences," a subtle detail in the report reveals further clues.

The report describes the performance as follows: "The performance showcased the fiery practice of strengthening the army through the methods of cultural light cavalry serving soldiers, emphasizing themes of loyalty to the Party and collective determination. The mixed-voice chorus 'Following' deeply expressed the shared sentiments of officers and soldiers in fully implementing the political-military strategy of the new era, firmly listening to the Party and following its leadership." Notably, there is no mention of "Xi as the core" in this passage, with loyalty directed solely to the CCP.

In contrast, the January 2024 report on a similar Spring Festival performance stated: "The performance was themed 'Studying the Thought of Strengthening the Army, Achieving Great Accomplishments in Army Building,' vividly reflecting the great achievements of strengthening the army in the new era and fully showcasing the spirit of loyalty to the core and striving for first-class military power." The shift in loyalty from "Xi as the core" to a more general allegiance to the Party is a clear and significant change.

This aligns with the broader message conveyed by three articles published by Xinhua, the People’s Liberation Army Daily, and CCTV on January 14 and 15, commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Zunyi Conference. These articles signal that the current Central Committee is gradually replacing the notion of "Xi as the supreme leader" with the concept of "centralized and unified leadership."

CCTV’s news report on the cultural performance provides a more direct expression of the diminished status of “Xi as the sole leader,” while simultaneously highlighting the unique prominence of Zhang Youxia. The specifics are as follows:

  1. Entrance and Handshakes: In the footage of Xi Jinping and Zhang Youxia entering the venue and shaking hands with retired cadres, Zhang, though walking behind Xi, appeared in the frame almost simultaneously with Xi. Xi was given almost no close-ups, and Zhang’s presence on screen was significant. By contrast, in the January 2024 footage, Xi received several seconds of close-up shots. Even when sharing the frame with Zhang, it was evident that Zhang deferred to Xi in those moments.

  2. Facial Expressions: While Xi appeared to smile, his expression seemed strained and forced. In contrast, Zhang appeared far more relaxed and natural, smiling genuinely and happily—unlike the cautious and reserved demeanour he displayed on camera in 2024. What accounts for this difference?

  3. Gestures During Handshakes: When Xi shook hands with two elderly female military personnel, the iconic gesture of giving a thumbs-up, as seen last year, was absent.

  4. During the Performance: CCTV gave no close-up shots of Xi during the performance. Instead, one shot encompassed all the senior military officials present, both current and retired, including Xi. This differs starkly from January 2024, when Xi was given three close-ups during the performance, followed by broader shots of Zhang Youxia, He Weidong, and other military leaders. This shift in camera treatment makes Xi’s changing status particularly apparent.

  5. End of the Performance: At the conclusion of the performance, CCTV featured a close-up of Xi clapping. In this shot, Xi appeared fatigued and devoid of any smile.

The reduction in close-ups of Xi Jinping in CCTV’s report, the absence of his trademark thumbs-up gesture, and his visibly strained demeanour contrast sharply with Zhang Youxia’s relaxed and confident appearance. These changes make it increasingly evident who may now hold military power. Moreover, the final close-up of Xi, possibly deliberate, seems to convey a symbolic message: the Xi era is over.

(First published by People News)