The Two 'bombs' Looming Over Xi Jinping's Head: When Will They Detonate?

Cai Qi and Wang Xiaohong serve as Xi Jinping's 'gatekeepers'. (Composite image)

[People News] Xi Jinping finds himself increasingly isolated, with rumours of his loss of power circulating both at home and abroad. As Xi Jinping's two most trusted 'gatekeepers'—Cai Qi, Director of the General Office, and Wang Xiaohong, Director of Public Security—are closely watched by the public, analysts suggest that they are unlikely to become scapegoats. When loyalty shifts to a transactional nature, they will begin to plan for their own futures, and the outcome of the power struggle will unfold in a dramatic fashion. These two 'bombs' that could explode at any moment are set to become Xi Jinping's true nightmare.

In a commentary published on May 30, overseas analyst Cai Shenkun noted that a covert battle over 'core security' is quietly taking place in Zhongnanhai. Xi Jinping's two most trusted 'gatekeepers'—Cai Qi and Wang Xiaohong—not only possess the keys to safeguard the 'core' but also control the critical channels for monitoring the upper echelons.

Cai Shenkun asserts that Xi Jinping's security apparatus is fundamentally based on two entities: the Central Guard Bureau and the Special Operations Bureau.

The Central Guard Bureau, part of the General Office of the Central Committee, is led by Director Cai Qi. Its primary responsibility is to ensure the personal safety of national-level leaders in the party, government, and military. Typically, it only handles security for members of the Politburo Standing Committee and locations like Zhongnanhai. The Guard Bureau is often referred to as 'close protection,' tasked with overseeing Xi Jinping's travel, itinerary planning, and personnel selection. Cai Qi has access to all of Xi Jinping's core secrets, from his health status to family matters.

The security targets of the Ministry of Public Security's Special Guard Bureau mainly include the 'Four Vice and Two Highs' among the leaders of the Communist Party and the state. This includes the Vice President of the People's Republic of China, the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the Vice Premier of the State Council, State Councilors, Vice Chairpersons of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the President of the Supreme People's Court, and the Procurator General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, as well as important foreign dignitaries visiting China.

After Xi Jinping assumed power, he appointed Wang Xiaohong to simultaneously oversee both the Ministry of Public Security and its Special Guard Bureau to eliminate political rivals. Under Xiaohong's leadership, the Guard Bureau not only infiltrated Zhongnanhai but also monitored the activities and data of various ministries, local provincial party secretaries, and high-ranking officials.

Cai Shenkun analyzes that Cai Qi and Wang Xiaohong, who wield these two 'knives,' represent a particularly dangerous double-edged sword.

Cai Qi, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee, the Executive Secretary of the Central Secretariat, and the Director of the General Office, holds a significant position of power, having reached the pinnacle of authority, yet he can never become the 'core.' The article notes that in recent years, Xi Jinping has purged key personnel within the General Office, leaving Cai Qi in a precarious position, fearing he may become a scapegoat for being 'not absolutely loyal.'

Wang Xiaohong, the Minister of Public Security, is considered one of Xi Jinping's most loyal subordinates from his time in Fujian, often referred to as the 'most loyal knife.' However, in 2022, Chen Wenqing was appointed as the Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, effectively blocking Wang Xiaohong's path to advancement.

Cai Shenkun disclosed that Wang Xiaohong, who was initially seen as a strong candidate for the Secretary position, suddenly found himself relegated to 'second-in-command,' which has left him deeply dissatisfied. As Xi Jinping places greater emphasis on security, the risk of Wang Xiaohong becoming a 'scapegoat' increases. His current situation is precarious: if he remains passive, he risks being abandoned; if he takes initiative, he may position himself as the 'protector' of a new order.

Cai Shenkun analysed that when they find themselves with no options left, they will choose to fight for their own interests. Cai Qi and Wang Xiaohong, both key figures entrusted with safeguarding the 'core,' are deliberating whether to continue supporting Xi Jinping or to open the door to a new order. The seeds of Xi Jinping's nightmare have already been sown.

Xi Jinping's Intense Purge of Loyalists

At present, China's economy is experiencing a dramatic decline, and the Chinese Communist Party's regime is facing significant turmoil and potential collapse. Despite this, Xi Jinping's purge of loyalists within the party is escalating.

In June 2023, Qin Gang, the youngest party and state leader personally promoted and trusted by Xi Jinping, who served as a Central Committee member, State Councillor, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, was dismissed.

In August 2023, Li Shangfu, another party, military, and state leader personally promoted and trusted by Xi, who held positions as a Central Military Commission member, State Councillor, and Minister of National Defence, was also dismissed.

In September 2023, Wei Fenghe, a former party, military, and state leader personally promoted and trusted by Xi, who was a former Central Military Commission member, State Councillor, and Minister of National Defence, was dismissed as well.

Since June 2023, a number of senior generals, including Li Yuchao, the commander of the Rocket Force who was personally promoted and trusted by Xi Jinping, former Air Force commander Ding Hanglai, and Southern Theatre Command Navy commander Ju Xinchun, have been ousted from their positions.

In November 2024, Miao Hua, a member of the Central Military Commission and director of the Political Work Department, known as Xi's 'second most trusted confidant' in the military, was also dismissed.

From November 2024 to the present, several senior generals associated with Miao Hua, who were also personally promoted and trusted by Xi, such as former Army Political Commissar Qin Shutong, Navy Political Commissar Yuan Huazhi, and Armed Police Commander Wang Chunning, have reportedly been removed from their posts.

In March 2025, He Weidong, referred to as Xi's 'most trusted confidant' in the military and a member of the Politburo as well as vice chairman of the Military Commission, vanished after the Two Sessions. Reports suggest that he has fallen from grace, with the latest news indicating that he may have committed suicide.

Cai Shenkun remarked that the current situation within the Chinese Communist Party regarding the 'arresting of generals' has escalated to a completely frenzied level, 'and the individuals being arrested are not just any generals, but are predominantly at the general rank.' 'This extensive military purge has reached an extreme intensity and can be described as exceptionally brutal.'

Chinese-American current affairs commentator Deng Yuwen recently shared on platform X: "Not long ago, I met a retired senior official from last year, who frequently interacted with Xi Jinping due to his work. This time, he came to the U.S. for personal reasons to visit family. I asked him to estimate how many officials within the party, particularly among the mid-to-high level ranks, oppose Xi. He replied that aside from Xi's close allies and those who benefit from him, at least 70% of mid-to-high-level officials oppose Xi's policies and direction. Even Xi's close confidants are quite dissatisfied with his leadership style and methods, though they are reluctant to voice their concerns. However, this discontent can be inferred from certain details in their interactions with him."

Deng Yuwen further noted in his post: "I asked again, given the poor economic situation and widespread social discontent, has Xi's time come to an end? Will the party be buried alongside him? He hesitated for a moment and said it’s difficult to say, but it is certain that they (referring to Xi's close allies) do not wish to be buried with him (referring to Xi) and will betray him when it matters most."

In this unique historical moment, as Cai Shenkun pointed out, will Xi Jinping's confidants continue to safeguard him, or will they open the door to a new order? What exactly is this door to the new order?

Observers have noted that various forecasts from around the world indicate significant changes are expected by 2025. As this pivotal moment approaches, aligning oneself with the malevolent spirit of the CCP equates to being buried alongside it. Conversely, choosing to abandon the CCP, return to traditional values, and embrace goodness may indeed be the gateway to a new order.

(First published by the People News)