Xi Jinping’s Waning Influence Becomes Clear Amid Mysterious Signals From Zhongnanhai

BEIJING, CHINA - MARCH 7: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks during a press conference for domestic and foreign journalists as part of the National People's Congress and Two Sessions on March 7, 2024 in Beijing, China. China's annual political gathering known as the Two Sessions convenes leaders and lawmakers to set the government's agenda for domestic economic and social development for the year. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

(People News) Recently, prominent appearances by officials such as Zhang Youxia and Li Qiang have overshadowed Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping. Notably, during Xi’s visit to Fujian on the 16th, the absence of CCP Central Office Director Cai Qi was a rare occurrence. Given the internal power struggles within the CCP, which influence the direction of Chinese society, these developments have drawn attention. Particularly since the 20th Central Committee's third plenary session, there have been several peculiar signals.

According to Hope Voice commentator Li Muyang, if we look at a series of events together, they seem to indicate a potential decline in Xi’s power. He explained, "The main issue is with military authority. During the opening of the third plenary session, the seating arrangements for Zhang Youxia (the first vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission) and He Weidong (the second vice-chairman) were switched. This is an unusual sign, suggesting that Zhang Youxia may have been sidelined by Xi at that time. However, after the conclusion of the plenary session, the situation completely reversed. Zhang Youxia has become increasingly assertive, while Xi Jinping seems to be showing signs of weakness. These events indicate that something unseen by the public has happened during or after the plenary session, signaling a shift in Xi’s control."

Another commentator, Tang Jingyuan, also noted signs of trouble with Xi’s military authority: "There are two indications that Xi’s control over the military is slipping. First, Xi, as chairman of the Central Military Commission, is expected to be present at significant military events. Yet, he was notably absent from the Central Military Commission's top-level military theory work meeting, despite his official schedule allowing him to attend. Second, when Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited China, it was Zhang Youxia who met with him, not Xi. This is surprising because, under normal circumstances, Xi would have handled such meetings, especially given the close military ties between China and Russia. Instead, Xi traveled south to Fujian during Shoigu’s visit to inspect minor issues like cultural projects and fishing, completely avoiding the military matters."

Tang also pointed out unusual personnel changes involving Xi’s military allies: "Qin Shengxiang, the former director of the Central Military Commission's General Office, has been put under investigation. Another key figure, Chen Guoqiang, who was responsible for military discipline under Xi, was transferred to a civilian role at the National University of Defense Technology. These developments suggest a significant weakening of Xi’s control over the military, as even his closest confidants have been sidelined."

Regarding Xi’s trip to Fujian without Cai Qi, Epoch Times commentator Zhong Yuan said, "Cai Qi, as the director of the CCP Central Office, should be constantly serving Xi. His absence is unusual unless he has more pressing matters or someone more important to serve. Since there doesn’t appear to be any major emergency in Zhongnanhai, it raises the question of whether there’s someone more important than Xi."

Zhong further speculated that Cai Qi might have been removed from his position or temporarily suspended, explaining his absence from Xi’s trip. He added, "If Xi Jinping is losing power, it’s understandable that his top ally, Cai Qi, would also be affected. This situation seems to reveal the unfolding power struggles in Zhongnanhai."

Zhong concluded by noting that in the official Xinhua report on Xi’s visit to Fujian, there was no mention of Xi inspecting the military. "When Xi visited Lanzhou in September, he met with military officers and was accompanied by He Weidong. If Xi’s visit to his power base in Fujian lacked a military inspection and He Weidong was absent, it could confirm that Xi has lost actual control over the military. Coupled with Cai Qi’s absence, signs of Xi’s declining power are becoming increasingly apparent."