“If One Man Doesn’t Step Down, Millions Cannot Escape” — How Great Is Xi Jinping’s Harm

The Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China originally consisted of 7 members, but now only Xi Jinping and Zhang Shengmin remain. (Video screenshot)

[People News] Recently, Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Standing Committee member Cai Qi has issued a series of heavyweight directives, delivering what appears to be an ultimatum to top leaders across the Party and military: they must publicly declare whether they support Xi Jinping or side with the so-called “residual forces of Zhang Youxia.” Behind this power struggle lies Xi’s deep distrust of the military and even the entire bureaucratic system.

Why is Cai Qi forcing officials to take sides at this moment? What chain reaction followed the fall of Zhang Youxia? And how much damage does Xi remaining “in power” continue to cause China?

Cai Qi Forces Loyalty Declarations — and the General Office Oversteps

On February 24, Cai Qi chaired a “Party-building Leading Group” meeting. Central Commission for Discipline Inspection chief Li Xi unusually attended. The meeting announced a Party-wide campaign to “establish and practice a correct view of political achievements.”

On the surface, it sounded routine. But insiders told The Epoch Times that it was in fact a “concentrated political warning” and a form of “political reorganization.” The so-called “integrated learning, inspection, and rectification” means:

  • “Learn” = strengthen political identification with Xi

  • “Inspect” = dig up violations of the “Eight-Point Regulations”

  • “Rectify” = target and suppress so-called “anti-central” speech

Notably, this was Cai’s second directive aimed at “top leaders” in a short span. On February 12, the CCP General Office had already issued orders requiring supervisory talks with top officials nationwide. Just over ten days later, another directive followed.

Why the urgency?

After Xi used irregular methods to remove Zhang Youxia and PLA Joint Staff Chief Liu Zhenli, what followed was a disturbing “collective silence” within the Party and military. No one stepped forward to publicly support Xi. This silence reportedly triggered panic among Xi and Cai. Cai then used the authority of the CCP General Office to force provincial and local leaders to publicly align themselves regarding the “Zhang-Liu incident,” directly tying promotions to political loyalty.

Even more unusual: these orders were issued not in the name of the CCP Central Committee or Politburo, but via the General Office under Cai’s control.

What does that suggest?

It indicates that while Cai’s authority has grown to “second only to one,” the leadership structure in Zhongnanhai appears fragmented. Xi and Cai are relying on the General Office to push through decisions — an abnormal phenomenon signaling deeper instability.

The Core Storm: Military Purges

At the heart of the crisis is Xi’s sweeping purge of the military.

Zhang Youxia, once Xi’s longtime associate and a prominent “princeling,” has fallen alongside top generals such as Miao Hua and He Weidong.

Rumors within military circles suggest Xi has lost substantive support from the armed forces, leaving the military in a semi-paralyzed state. In this isolation, Xi reportedly relies mainly on two figures:

  • Cai Qi, who oversees security and intelligence systems

  • Chen Yuan, transferred from Shanghai to command the Beijing Garrison

This suggests Xi’s power base has narrowed dramatically, sustained primarily by internal security mechanisms.

How Great Is the Damage?

Cai’s call for a “correct political achievement outlook” invites scrutiny of Xi’s own record.

After 13 years in power, critics argue Xi’s governance has escalated from “latent risks” to what they describe as a “systemic survival threat.” A widely circulated online post listed 30 scenarios describing the consequences “as long as he remains in power,” depicting economic decline, social suffocation, diplomatic isolation, livelihood collapse, and civilizational regression.

As of early 2026, many of these predictions are no longer hypothetical but unfolding realities.

1. Extreme Power Centralization and Institutional Regression

Xi abolished term limits, dismantled collective leadership norms, and embedded “Xi Jinping Thought” into the Constitution and Party charter. Independent civil society has effectively disappeared, and digital surveillance and heavy stability maintenance have drained social vitality.

2. Deep Economic and Livelihood Crisis

China’s 2025 birth rate fell to 7.92 million — the lowest since 1949. The property sector continues collapsing, local governments face fiscal insolvency, and foreign investment is retreating. Xi’s oft-quoted approach of prioritizing “political accounts over economic accounts” is seen by critics as exhausting China’s growth dividends.

3. Diplomatic Isolation and War Risks

“Wolf warrior” diplomacy, pressure on Taiwan, and alignment with Russia have worsened China’s global standing. Some analysts argue that ongoing military purges may weaken rather than strengthen combat readiness.

“If One Man Doesn’t Fall, Millions Cannot Escape?”

Cai Qi’s repeated loyalty demands reflect not stability but deep insecurity.

According to critics, Xi’s continued rule has reached a point where even insiders privately ask, “How long can this last?” The question may no longer be what happens if he remains, but what remains after he leaves.

China’s political landscape, some argue, is in a perilous state where “if one man does not step down, millions cannot escape.” Will public declarations of loyalty protect officials? Or will pressure provoke backlash?

Observers suggest the situation in Zhongnanhai could shift rapidly — and unpredictably.