On March 4, 2024, during the establishment of the military and armed police delegation at the Chinese Communist Party's two sessions, He Weidong (left) and Miao Hua (right) were seated at the praesidium. (Video screenshot)
[People News] During the Fourth Plenary Session, Xi Jinping continued to champion the 'anti-corruption' campaign and persistently undertook military reforms. A total of 168 central committee members and 147 alternate members attended the session. In comparison, the 20th National Congress had elected 205 central committee members and 171 alternate members, indicating a decrease of 37 central committee members and 24 alternate members at the Fourth Plenary Session, resulting in a total reduction of 61 individuals. Some of these individuals have been taken away for investigation, while others have simply vanished, marking the lowest attendance at a Central Committee meeting since the Mao era. However, why did the anticipated confrontation between the opposition and Xi's faction at the Fourth Plenary Session not materialise?
1. Xi and Zhang are in conflict
Since Xi Jinping's re-election, he has prioritised the military unification of Taiwan as a key issue for consolidating his power and stabilising public sentiment. However, a report from the American military strategic think tank China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI), titled 'Checking in on Modernisation and Reforms in the People’s Liberation Army', indicates that Zhang Youxia believes Xi Jinping's military reforms are counterproductive and will not achieve the goal of attacking Taiwan within 27 years.
In reality, Zhang Youxia was simply stating a fact and did not wish for soldiers to die in vain, but such comments have turned Zhang into a significant obstacle on Xi Jinping's path to consolidating power.
A few months ago, overseas journalist Si Ma Ku disclosed that He Wei Dong, Miao Hua, and Zhong Shao Jun, as loyal supporters of Xi Jinping, felt compelled to act on behalf of their leader. To investigate Zhang You Xia, they leaked information about the Rocket Force, primarily concerning missile deployments and various military secrets, with the report extending over 200 pages.
The actions taken by He Wei Dong and his associates are undoubtedly quite devious, as any military leak would lead the Central Committee to suspect the presence of spies within the Rocket Force. This created the potential for an investigation into Zhang You Xia, simultaneously offering He Wei Dong, Miao Hua, and Zhong Shao Jun an opportunity to gain favour.
This information is not isolated. Recently, overseas journalist Jiang Wang Zheng reported that Miao Hua and Zhong Shao Jun collaborated to oust Zhang You Xia's former subordinate, Li Shang Fu, which sparked discontent from Zhang You Xia and Zhang Sheng Min, both of whom have backgrounds in the Second Artillery (the predecessor of the Rocket Force). Reports suggest that Li Shang Fu could serve as the catalyst for the investigation into Zhang You Xia. Unfortunately, circumstances took a turn when, during the Third Plenary Session in 2024, Xi Jinping was rumoured to have suffered a stroke, resulting in military power shifting to Zhang You Xia. Subsequently, news emerged of Miao Hua being taken in for questioning. Gradually, the Xi family army, specifically the 31st Group Army, faced near annihilation.
2. Xi Jinping continues to maintain a revered status that is shrouded in deep complexities.
Why does the Fourth Plenary Session seem so peaceful, without the predictions from overseas media of Xi Jinping stepping down or being placed under house arrest? This is because Xi Jinping has mishandled everything related to the economy, diplomacy, and more, leaving no one willing to take over and shoulder the blame for him. In addition to the insurmountable economic issues, the debt has become the final straw that broke the camel's back.
The Urban Property Strategic Research Institute of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), established by Peking University, published an article in 2023 titled 'How Much Debt Does China Really Have?' The article reveals that the CCP's debt reached an astonishing 350 trillion yuan in 2023. This year, Finance Minister Lan Fu'an's debt management only addressed a mere 12 trillion yuan, which is insufficient to even cover the interest.
According to the latest financial report data from September, China's M1 money supply stands at approximately 113 trillion yuan, while M2 is around 335 trillion yuan, resulting in a staggering gap of 222 trillion yuan between the two.
Some analysts suggest that this enormous amount of capital is primarily concentrated in the hands of CCP elites and their associated capital. Such a vast wealth distribution implies that if a civil war or large-scale power struggle were to break out, it could lead to the collapse of the entire wealth system. Consequently, Xi Jinping and the internal opposition within the party may have reached a tacit agreement to avoid mutual destruction, thereby maintaining superficial stability and a unified image to the outside world, preventing external observers from recognising the true divisions within the CCP and seizing opportunities to acquire wealth. To maintain this balance, Jiang Wangzheng disclosed that Xi Jinping and Zhang Youxia will continue to work beyond the retirement age, while other personnel will follow the retirement rule of 70 years.
3. Trump's Actions May Instil Fear in Xi Jinping
On the eve of the Fourth Plenary Session, the United States prosecuted Chen Zhi, a suspected member of Xi Jinping's white-glove princeling group, and confiscated his Bitcoin valued at 15 billion dollars, equivalent to about 107 billion yuan. The U.S. has warned the CCP that it is aware of the methods and locations used by various CCP families to hide their wealth.
Xi Jinping is making significant efforts to distance himself from Chen Zhi. However, former Chinese Communist Party (CCP) agent Eric (@V_brigade_Eric) has disclosed that he was placed by the CCP police to work at the Taizi Group, where he had multiple interactions with Chen Zhi, and he is convinced that Chen Zhi serves as the CCP's 'white glove.' Additionally, some bloggers have reported that Chen Zhi acts as the 'white glove' for Xi Jinping's sister, Qi Qiaoqiao.
The actions taken by the United States have undoubtedly delivered a severe blow to Xi Jinping, making it clear to him that confronting the U.S. could put his wealth at risk.
A key vulnerability for Xi Jinping and the senior leadership of the CCP is their fear of losing their assets, a realisation that President Trump has also grasped.
(First published by People News)
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