A Higher Authority Is Systematically Dismantling Xi Jinping’s Power Base

On March 5, 2023, CCP leaders attended the opening session of the National People's Congress.

[People News] Recently, many of Xi Jinping’s trusted allies in the military and administrative systems have fallen from grace, with even retired former Vice Premier Liu He now reportedly implicated. Experts suggest that a higher authority, or a challenger to Xi’s power, may be systematically weakening his influence. Some also point out that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) operates like a meat grinder, and that young people who yearn for freedom should leave as soon as possible, before the regime turns on them.

On April 6, the UK’s Financial Times cited multiple sources reporting that Chinese authorities are investigating Liu Tianran, allegedly for financial corruption.

Liu Tianran is one of many “princelings”—children of elite CCP officials. His father, Liu He, is a retired former vice premier and a childhood friend of Xi Jinping. Liu He, known for his pro-Western stance, was Xi’s top economic advisor and led trade negotiations with the Trump administration during its first term.

Liu Tianran founded an investment company called Skycus Capital in 2016. Reports indicate that the investigation involves his connections to Ant Group’s planned $37 billion IPO, and that unrelated corruption cases have also surfaced during the probe.

A former colleague of Liu Tianran said the investigation has been ongoing for some time and that he has “likely lost his freedom”,—suggesting he’s already been arrested. A second source confirmed that Liu has indeed been detained and has been under investigation for at least six months.

According to sources, CCP authorities uncovered additional corruption cases, and Xi Jinping himself has received reports detailing the allegations against Liu Tianran.

Since retiring in 2023, Liu He had continued to meet with foreign figures periodically, but from 2024 onward, such meetings were heavily restricted. Insiders believe this sudden shift is related to the investigation of his son.

Shen Ming-shih, a researcher at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, told The Epoch Times that Liu He is part of Xi’s faction, but the attacks on him indicate that these purges are not initiated by Xi himself. He pointed to the removal of many Xi-appointed officials, such as former Organization Department head Li Ganjie, as a sign that Xi's own people are being systematically targeted. “Since the Third Plenary Session last year, signs have emerged suggesting that a higher authority or challenger to Xi's power is methodically purging his established allies,” Shen said. If officials in the economic and trade sectors are also being taken down, it suggests a behind-the-scenes power player is actively dismantling Xi’s inner circle.

He added that Liu Tianran’s investigation may be real and that the leak could be a deliberate move by rival factions. “The overall trend points to the weakening of Xi’s power, with many looking to eliminate his influence, especially ahead of major personnel changes expected at the Fourth Plenary Session.”

Shen also noted that during Trump’s first term, Liu He failed to adequately resolve the U.S.-China trade war, choosing to concede somewhat to U.S. demands. However, Xi didn’t fully implement Liu’s proposed policies, which exacerbated the impact of the trade war and contributed to China’s economic decline since 2023.

Independent political commentator Cai Shenkun added that the investigation into Liu He’s son could mean Xi is behind the crackdown, perhaps punishing the Liu family for acting behind his back. But it could also signify that anti-Xi forces are now taking the opportunity to clean house. “Given the dire international situation, if these forces don’t act now, they may never get another chance.”

As the U.S. imposes new tariffs on Chinese goods, most analysts believe this will further damage China’s economy. Historically, the CC has always found scapegoats within its ranks for major governance failures. This time, pro-Western officials may bear the brunt, and even Xi himself could be discarded as a political scapegoat. The CCP, after all, proclaims itself infallible and never admits mistakes. Though Xi is the top leader, in reality, he may simply be another pawn in the Party's game.

Commentator Su Xiaohua said his sources indicate that Xi Jinping is currently in a state of paranoia, believing all pro-Western officials are protégés of Liu He. Now that Liu He has retired, Xi has arrested his son and is gradually purging all pro-Western figures. Su pointed out that Xi and Liu shared a personal bond—both saw their fathers persecuted during the Cultural Revolution. Liu He's father committed suicide, and a 17-year-old Liu held his dying father's head, crying out in grief. This shared trauma made the two close friends. Now, with Liu He in retirement, he must watch as his son is taken into custody.

Su lamented, “The CCP truly is a meat grinder.” He urged young people yearning for freedom to get out while they still can, before the Party turns its sights on them.