Is There a Split in the Anti-Xi Movement? Hu Jintao and Wang Yang Are Taking a Softer Approach, While Wen Jiabao and Zhang Youxia Are Adopting a Tougher Stance

Former Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. (Photo by Feng Li/Getty Images)

[People News] Xi Jinping appeared at the Central Asia Summit looking unwell and walking heavily. However, his presence has not alleviated the suspicions surrounding his loss of power. The significant number of Xi's military allies who have fallen from grace, been investigated, or gone missing suggests that Xi's control over the military has diminished. The loss of military power indicates a broader loss of authority. Rumours indicate that a 'new central leadership' has been formed in Zhongnanhai, with various factions expressing differing views on how to address Xi Jinping's situation.

The newly formed 'Central Committee' includes figures such as Hu Jintao, Wen Jiabao, Zhang Youxia, and Wang Yang. Recently, overseas commentator Xiao Shuo Jia disclosed in his program that Zhang Youxia, the current Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, has fully taken charge of military authority. Although Xi Jinping retains the title of Chairman of the Military Commission, it has become largely symbolic, with senior military leaders who have not yet been ousted aligning themselves with Zhang Youxia.

Regarding how to handle Xi Jinping, there is a divide between Zhang Youxia and the Youth League faction. Zhang Youxia has expressed his determination to hold Xi Jinping accountable, arguing that failing to do so would only result in a superficial victory for the anti-Xi movement. He is concerned that Xi Jinping could retaliate at any moment, and for his own protection, he insists on pursuing accountability for Xi.

The Youth League faction, on the other hand, advocates for 'harmony as the highest value.' Hu Jintao appears somewhat indecisive, promoting a united front within the party to ensure Xi Jinping's safe and dignified retirement. Wang Yang shares a similar view, supporting a soft landing for Xi Jinping, while Hu Chunhua has remained silent on the matter. However, Wen Jiabao backs Zhang Youxia's call for accountability for Xi Jinping.

According to the 'Xiaoshuojia', if Xi Jinping were to achieve a soft landing, the situation could become quite unpredictable, as the residual forces within the military could potentially resurface and launch a counteroffensive. Zhang Youxia is not willing to take this risk.

Reports suggest that Zhang Youxia may fully assume the role of Chairman of the Military Commission during the Fourth Plenary Session, effectively taking control of the military and preparing to finalise the reckoning with Xi Jinping. This would allow Zhang Youxia to reorganise the future Military Commission, promoting senior generals whom he trusts and who are loyal, thereby ensuring complete control over the military and preventing any disturbances from Xi Jinping's remaining forces.

Zhang Youxia has consistently been one of the most aggressive opponents of Xi. During the expanded Politburo meeting in May, he advocated for the simultaneous removal of Xi Jinping from the positions of General Secretary, President, and Chairman of the Military Commission to eliminate any future threats.

Since last year, Xi Jinping's close military ally, Miao Hua, the Director of the Political Work Department of the Military Commission, has been investigated, and the current whereabouts of He Weidong, the Vice Chairman of the Military Commission, remain unknown. This situation has been interpreted as part of Xi Jinping's counteroffensive, while Zhang Youxia's countermeasures have proven successful.

Observers from outside believe that there is still a viable path for the 'new central leadership', which involves dismantling the Chinese Communist Party, implementing constitutional governance, and ultimately benefiting both China and the world. △

(First published by People News)