Xi’s Close Ally and Central Party School President Chen Xi’s Power Weakened

On January 16, 2024, the Chinese Communist Party's Provincial and Ministerial Cadre Finance Seminar opened at the Central Party School in Beijing. (Video Screenshot

[People News] After Xi Jinping’s close confidants in the military—He Weidong and Miao Hua—as well as his trusted associate within the government, Ma Xingrui, were taken down or are about to be taken down, signs have also emerged that the power of another of Xi’s iron-clad allies, Chen Xi, president of the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance), has been weakened.

On January 15, the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance) held its 2025 autumn semester graduation ceremony. As usual, Chen Xi appeared at the ceremony and presented graduation certificates to the trainees.

In Xinhua’s report, which consisted of only two paragraphs, it was mentioned that during the training period, the trainees “consciously combined in-depth study and comprehension of Xi Thought with studying and implementing the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Party Congress,” gained a deeper understanding of the so-called “Two Establishes” and achieving the “Two Safeguards,” and “further enhanced their political, ideological, and action-oriented consciousness in carrying out the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee without compromise.” They also stated that in their future work, they would use Party theory to promote work and demonstrate so-called loyalty to the Party.

If one compares this with reports on the 2025 spring semester, the 2024 spring and autumn semesters, and the 2023 autumn semester, some differences become apparent.

In the report on the spring semester graduation ceremony held on July 15, 2025, it was said that the trainees studied and grasped “Xi Thought,” and it mentioned “establishing” and “safeguarding.” The trainees stated that in their future work they would “persistently use Xi Thought to unite hearts and forge souls,” without mentioning the guiding role of the “Party” or loyalty.

In the report on the 2024 autumn semester graduation ceremony held in January 2025, it said that the trainees studied “Xi Thought” and the spirit of the Third Plenary Session, mentioned the “two four four two” expressions of loyalty, and stated that they would “consciously maintain a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core in thought, politics, and action.” Regarding future work, they again said they would “persistently use Xi Thought to unite hearts and forge souls,” but also mentioned “being loyal to the Party, sharing the Party’s worries, and fulfilling duties for the Party.”

In the report on the 2024 spring semester graduation ceremony held on July 12, 2024, it said that “Xi Thought” was studied and mentioned the “two four four two.” The trainees stated that after returning they would “faithfully practice the important ‘Five Consciousnesses’ instructions issued by Xi Jinping,” and use Party theory to “strengthen foundations, cultivate vitality, and unite hearts and forge souls,” among other things.

In the report on the 2023 autumn semester graduation ceremony held on January 12, 2024, likewise there was no shortage of “Xi Thought” and the “two four four two,” and “ideological consciousness, political consciousness, and action consciousness” were reflected in practicing the “Two Safeguards.” Looking ahead, it was still about “persistently using Xi Thought to unite hearts and forge souls,” and so on.

It is very clear that this year’s report has already begun to downplay Xi, while being forced to mention adherence to the “Party Central Committee’s decision-making and deployment.” Moreover, in terms of future work, it no longer emphasizes “persistently using Xi Thought to unite hearts and forge souls,” but instead stresses using Party theory for guidance.

The changes in the reporting reflect that the power of Chen Xi—who was once personally promoted by Xi and selected officials for him—has also been weakened. Under pressure from the “Party Central Committee,” even if Chen Xi wants to continue standing up for Xi, he has no choice but to rein himself in. Does the weakening of Chen Xi’s power also indicate that Xi’s loss of power truly exists?

(People News exclusive) △