Xi Tries to Win Over Zhang Youxia, but One Sentence from Hu and Wen Convinces Him Instead

Rumours suggest Wen Jiabao, Hu Jintao, and Hu Deping (from left to right) are in charge of China. (Image by People News)

[People News] As rumours of Xi Jinping’s loss of power and potential resignation continue to gain momentum, speculation over his successor is rampant. The anti-Xi faction, seeking to maintain so-called intra-party stability, remains locked in a stalemate with Xi’s own camp. Sources have revealed that Xi Jinping has attempted to court Zhang Youxia with a promise of a seat on the Politburo Standing Committee—on the condition that Xi’s protégé, Ding Xuexiang, be appointed as the next General Secretary. However, Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao reportedly convinced Zhang Youxia with a single sentence.

Recently, Ding Xuexiang visited Russia and held face-to-face talks with President Putin, reigniting speculation about his succession. Despite lacking capability, seniority, and regional governance experience, Ding is reportedly Xi’s ideal candidate—because once Xi steps down, Ding would be a pliable figure, someone Xi can manipulate behind the scenes, similar to how Deng Xiaoping once exerted control after retirement.

Analysts say that although Xi has agreed to step down, he continues to bargain with the anti-Xi faction. The opposition is anti-Xi but not anti-party, fearing that a purge of Xi could shake the foundation of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), leaving them vulnerable to Xi’s influence.

The anti-Xi faction’s candidate for General Secretary is Wang Yang. Zhang Youxia is reportedly firm on the need to hold Xi accountable and supports Wang Yang's succession, opposing Ding Xuexiang. Both camps recognise that Zhang Youxia’s support—as the one holding military power—will likely determine who prevails.

According to U.S.-based economist and writer Su Xiaohé, sources in Beijing report that fellow “princeling” Zeng Qinghong advised Xi to win over Zhang Youxia.

Upon learning this, Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao approached Zhang Youxia. They told him: "The true second-generation revolutionaries are from core families—like the Liu, Mao, Deng, Zeng, Wang, Bo, Xi, Chen, and Lin families. Xi Jinping tried to sideline you midway because your 'red background' isn’t red enough. He doesn’t really consider you one of them. Xi will not let you have a good ending. We are your true allies."

Hu Jintao went further, saying that while Zhang could join the Standing Committee, Wang Yang and Hu Chunhua must also be included. Even if Hu Chunhua is left out, Wang Yang must be appointed—and Wang must serve as General Secretary. Ding Xuexiang must not be allowed to take over.

It was this one sentence—"Your red background isn’t red enough"—that persuaded Zhang Youxia to accept Hu and Wen’s plan, as it guaranteed his own safety more securely. Zhang and Xi are now mortal enemies. Xi's push for Ding Xuexiang to become General Secretary would be very detrimental to Zhang. For him, the elevation of Wang Yang—promoted by the Communist Youth League faction—is the most favorable outcome.

Su Xiaohé notes that Xi Jinping now dares not openly oppose this.

Among the founding generals of the PRC, Zhang Youxia’s father, Zhang Zongxun, may be a relatively unfamiliar name. He wasn’t granted the rank of general at the time of the PRC’s founding, only receiving the title in 1995. Before retiring in 1998, he served as Director of the General Logistics Department. Though Zhang Youxia is a princeling, he’s not part of the core princeling circle.

In fact, Xi Jinping has made enemies within the princeling faction since coming to power. Now he is facing full-scale retaliation from them.

Former Peking University professor Yuan Hongbing, citing sources within the CCP system, says that factions within the “Red aristocracy” are reaching a consensus: Xi Jinping must not be allowed to serve another term at the 21st Party Congress. Ahead of the congress, major princeling families are reportedly drafting a proposal titled “A Letter from the Red Gene to the Party Central Committee”, which will be submitted through official party channels.

The proposal will allegedly focus on Xi Jinping’s policy failures—both domestic and foreign—and conclude that he must resign from the CCP’s top leadership position.

Yuan Hongbing reveals that this movement includes three main forces:  One led by Hu Yaobang’s son, Hu Deping, and Liu Shaoqi’s son, Liu Yuan; Another by Deng Xiaoping’s son, Deng Pufang, and Chen Yun’s son, Chen Yuan; And a third faction representing the ultra-left Maoist group. These three forces are reportedly coordinating political actions to block Xi Jinping’s reappointment at the 21st Party Congress.

Some analysts say Zhang Youxia, with control of the military, is the last remaining princeling who can still challenge Xi Jinping. △