People News Report – Yesterday, Chinese state media reported that Xi Jinping, accompanied by Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, inspected the Rocket Force's strategic missile unit in Hefei, Anhui, on October 17. During the visit, Xi emphasized the need for the unit to enhance its "strategic deterrence and combat capability." However, in a sudden shift, Xi also stressed the importance of "strictly addressing corruption and misconduct within the ranks."

This Rocket Force, personally established by Xi, was initially intended to prepare for a military unification with Taiwan. As U.S. missile defense capabilities, surveillance, and alliances have strengthened, the Rocket Force, responsible for managing conventional and nuclear missiles, was tasked with modernizing China's nuclear arsenal.

Since last year, the Rocket Force has been embroiled in a series of corruption scandals, leading to the removal of much of its leadership, with ongoing purges. Among those implicated are former commanders Li Yuchao, Zhou Yaning, and Wei Fenghe. Senior officials from critical defense contractors, such as China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and China North Industries Group Corporation, have also been ousted.

In addition, on October 16, Chinese state media announced the death of Zhang Yuting, former deputy commander of the Second Artillery Corps and a former colleague of Wei Fenghe. Zhang passed away due to illness. Earlier, Chinese media reported the death of Wu Guohua, former deputy commander of the Rocket Force, also "due to illness." Several other senior officials from the Rocket Force's predecessor, the Second Artillery Corps, have also passed away recently, leading to rumors on social media that some of them may have died by suicide or were killed.

Given this context, Xi's call for a crackdown on corruption in the Rocket Force is significant and not to be taken lightly. His message seems clear: Xi is there to tighten control over military power and personnel.

Last month, China made a rare intercontinental ballistic missile launch into the Pacific Ocean, drawing widespread attention from foreign media and highlighting the international community's growing concern over China's expanding nuclear capabilities.

Last week, China conducted a one-day military exercise near Taiwan, during which two missiles were launched inland during a 13-hour drill.

However, there were earlier reports that a Chinese rocket launch had failed, with speculation that the Rocket Force might have been protesting the ongoing purges by deliberately sabotaging their work.

During his visit to Anhui, Xi also stopped by the famous Six-Foot Alley in Tongcheng, known for the saying "Why not yield three feet?" Xi remarked, "Seeing this place is quite moving." Official reports indicate that only Vice Premier He Lifeng, a vice-national-level official, accompanied him, while Zhang Youxia did not. Notably absent was Politburo Standing Committee member and Director of the General Office, Cai Qi, who typically accompanies Xi on such visits.

Xi's visit to Six-Foot Alley was marked by an unusual scene. Unlike the typical strict protocols where residents are instructed to "stay indoors" and "close their doors and windows with curtains drawn" when the leader passes by, Xi made an exception this time. He rolled down the car window and waved to people on the street, who responded by taking photos with their phones.

This unusual display has led some to speculate whether Xi was staging a "show of empathy" or simply posturing for the cameras. Some observers believe that this highly abnormal event could indicate that Xi, perhaps after a reduction in his power, is playing the "man of the people" card to build a popular base, possibly in preparation for stepping down.

On October 18, former Chinese journalist Zhao Lanjian commented on Xi's visit to Six-Foot Alley on the X platform, interpreting it as a clear sign of Xi's intention to step down. Zhao pointed out that before his own retirement, former Central Commission for Discipline Inspection chief Wang Qishan also visited Six-Foot Alley. At that time, Wang's visit was seen as a symbolic act, signaling that he was prepared to "yield ground" and step aside. Afterward, Wang became China's vice president but maintained a relatively low profile until his full retirement in March 2023.

Xi's sudden visit to Six-Foot Alley has sparked further speculation. Recently, Xi has shown signs of "losing power," such as his repeated absences from important military meetings and inspections, as well as limited coverage of his military activities in state media.

However, during the same trip to Anhui, Xi both emphasized tackling corruption in the Rocket Force and expressed his emotional connection to Six-Foot Alley. Observers are left to wonder what exactly moved him.

Some analysts believe that Xi, known for unpredictable governance and drawing inspiration from Mao Zedong, may be adopting a strategy of "retreating to advance," similar to Mao. Mao often used such tactics, stepping back when necessary and holding meetings on his own terms, when and where he desired. The delayed Third Plenary Session this year is seen as a parallel to Mao's methods. Experts argue that because Xi has established a highly centralized form of personal rule, he may no longer need to consider others' feelings or the conventional norms of governance. As a result, Xi's visit to Six-Foot Alley could be interpreted as a strategic performance, aiming to consolidate power through a display of humility before tightening his grip on authority again.