Xi Jinping’s Position in Peril, Zhang Youxia May Join Politburo Standing Committee

Xi Jinping's greatest concern is protecting his family. (People News)

People News: Recently, after a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Politburo meeting, the official communique was noted to have several anomalies, including the omission of phrases typically mentioned in the past, such as “Xi Jinping Thought,” as well as rare mentions of democratic centralism and "promotion and demotion based on merit." Some analysts believe that a power shift may be occurring within the CCP’s top leadership, although it has not yet been publicly acknowledged, with struggles continuing behind the scenes.

The CCP Politburo held a meeting on October 28, during which state media reported that the meeting reviewed the "Comprehensive Report on the Third Round of Inspections of the 20th Central Committee," chaired by Xi Jinping.

Observers noted three anomalies in the official media communique: the absence of the term “Xi Thought,” which is usually mentioned in every meeting; the lack of typical references to "the two establishments and two safeguards," which emphasize anti-corruption and political discipline; and the unusual call for Party committees at all levels to strengthen “leadership team building,” “strictly implement democratic centralism,” and promote “the promotion and demotion of leading cadres.”

Tang Jingyuan, a U.S.-based political commentator, told The Epoch Times that omitting routine expressions like “Xi Thought,” along with “the two safeguards” and “the two establishments,” cannot be explained as a mere oversight by the propaganda system. As for the call for “promotion and demotion” for top leaders, it could carry specific implications. “If we combine these two observations, it may signal that Xi Jinping’s supreme status is in jeopardy, and a return to the CCP’s collective leadership model is underway.”

He believes this signals that Xi’s power is restricted and that the top-level political structure has changed, a shift that may have begun at the CCP’s October National Day reception. At that time, the Party elders appeared collectively, and later, Xi’s role as Chairman of the Central Military Commission, alongside Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia, seemed unusual, indirectly hinting at a change in Xi’s power status.

“It could be an intentional arrangement by the CCP leadership, aiming for an orderly transition to minimize turmoil, or even prevent a loss of control. But if Xi’s power has been significantly restricted, who will fill the resulting power vacuum? This will likely lead to fierce competition within the CCP’s top ranks.”

From October 24 to 26, Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia visited Vietnam, where he was received with high-level protocol by Vietnamese General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Vo Van Thuong, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, sparking speculation.

China expert Wang He told The Epoch Times that the political situation in the CCP is now relatively delicate. Zhang Youxia’s high profile makes him seem like a central figure in the Party, while the other Military Commission Vice Chairman and Xi’s confidant, He Weidong, has made fewer appearances, suggesting that most military power may now rest in Zhang Youxia’s hands.

Wang He said that historically, when Deng Xiaoping returned to power after the Cultural Revolution, he ousted Hua Guofeng and took control of the military. When Deng visited the United States in 1979, his title was only Vice Premier, but the U.S. received him as a head of state, knowing in advance that real power within the CCP lay with Deng Xiaoping.

Regarding Zhang Youxia’s current position, Wang He noted a similarity to Deng’s status back then, with the difference being that Zhang is an old military general with no government experience. However, Zhang himself belongs to the “princeling” faction, naturally connected to CCP elders, which may allow him to collaborate with Party seniors to implement democratic centralism, restoring collective leadership and restricting Xi’s power.

“But they can’t simply remove Xi all at once, lest CCP rule collapses immediately. So, Xi is kept on the front stage while collective leadership takes over behind the scenes. This is why the recent Politburo meeting featured a rare insistence on democratic centralism and the promotion and demotion of cadres. Who gets demoted? This largely targets Xi Jinping.”

Independent commentator Cai Shenkun said in his online program on October 30 that during Zhang Youxia’s recent visit to Vietnam, the CCP Ministry of Defense’s statement mentioned that Zhang emphasized how China and Vietnam should align with the historical trend, continuously strengthening exchanges and cooperation in various fields like politics, economy, security, and culture. Cai noted that Zhang’s remarks seemed beyond the authority of a Military Commission Vice Chairman, indicating he may now hold even greater power, supporting recent claims about his rising influence.

Zhang Youxia, now 74, is also the oldest CCP Politburo member. Cai mentioned that in the 1980s, when Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Liu Huaqing joined the Politburo Standing Committee, he was nearly 80 years old. It is not impossible for Zhang, representing the military, to join the Standing Committee during turbulent political times.

Wang He believes that in due time, the CCP may announce its handling of Xi’s power, as different factions continue their struggles behind an “iron curtain.” 

(Reporters Ning Haizhong and Luo Ya of Dajiyuan)