Xi Jinping s Health Crisis: A Sign of Power Collapse

Xi Jinping appeared to walk with difficulty during his visit to France. (Video screenshot)

[People News] Reports indicate that Xi Jinping has been reducing his public appearances due to health concerns, leading to speculation about power struggles within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership. Some believe that a health crisis is undermining Xi's authority, while others suggest that anti-Xi factions are probing the situation. During the CCP Politburo meeting on April 22, officials emphasised 'stability in the overall situation' without mentioning health issues, in an attempt to quell the rumours. Insiders have stated that the rumours regarding Xi's health are linked to the economic pressures stemming from the 145% tariff war, which has intensified internal conflicts. The CCP has not issued any official response, and the situation has attracted international attention.

The rumours surrounding Xi Jinping's health crisis resemble an undercurrent, exposing a potential crisis at the heart of CCP power. Over his 12 years in office, Xi has solidified his power through anti-corruption measures and military reforms, but the ongoing 145% tariff war and economic turmoil have placed his rule in jeopardy. If the health rumours are true, they could undermine his image as a strong leader; if they are false, they may simply be a test from anti-Xi factions. Regardless of their veracity, they signal a possible precursor to the collapse of the CCP regime.

Economic pressures serve as the catalyst for these rumours. In 2024, exports to the U.S. are expected to account for 16% of total exports, and the tariff war has exacerbated the wave of business closures, posing a threat to stability with rising unemployment risks. The real estate crisis and local debts totalling 90 trillion yuan have led to widespread public discontent. Some online commentators have bluntly remarked, 'The economy is collapsing; how much longer can Xi hold on?' The anti-Xi factions are leveraging the crisis to make their move, and the health rumours may be a trial balloon. The Politburo's focus on 'stability in the overall situation' fails to conceal the underlying fractures, indicating rising tensions among the leadership.

The recent health crisis has revealed the vulnerabilities of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) governance. Historically, Mao Zedong (Máo Zédōng) faced a decline in power during his later years due to health issues, and Xi Jinping (Xí Jìnpíng) finds himself in an even more precarious position. Users on the social media platform X are predicting, 'If Xi falls, internal conflicts will explode.' Should these rumours continue, Xi's absolute authority could crumble, leading to the disintegration of the CCP's stability amid both internal and external crises. Recent incidents, such as the malfunctions in the Shanghai subway and protests in Guizhou, have sparked public anger, and Xi's health issues are exacerbating the situation, hastening the approach of a crisis for the CCP. 

(Originally published by People News)