Is Xi Jinping Losing His Grip on Power?
Is Xi Jinping Losing His Grip on Power?
For over a decade, Xi Jinping has stood unchallenged atop the Chinese Communist Party. But beneath the polished surface of official state media, a different story is emerging — one of purges, economic decline, military reshuffles, and whispers of elite discontent. Is China’s most powerful leader since Mao finally facing internal rebellion?
🚩 The Red Flags: Signs Xi May Be Losing Control
1. Top Officials Are Vanishing
In just the last 18 months:
Defense Minister Li Shangfu disappeared.
Two top generals in China’s Rocket Force (strategic missile command) were removed without public explanation.
Former Foreign Minister Qin Gang, once considered a rising star, was quietly replaced.
🔻 These purges suggest high-level mistrust and factional infighting at the heart of the regime.
2. Economic Collapse Is Fueling Dissent
Youth unemployment surpassed 20% before Beijing stopped releasing the data.
The property sector — nearly 30% of GDP — is imploding.
Major firms like Evergrande and Country Garden are drowning in debt.
Foreign direct investment has cratered.
💬 “Xi's centralization and ideological turn have shattered confidence in China’s growth model,” says one exiled Chinese economist.
📊 Chart idea:
“China’s Youth Unemployment (2018–2023)”
“Property Market Collapse: Real Estate Sales vs. Debt (2015–2025)”
3. Military Loyalty Is in Question
The People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, which oversees China’s nuclear weapons, has been gutted and rebuilt with loyalists.
This comes as:
Taiwan tensions escalate.
Xi has promoted “war readiness.”
Western sanctions and naval drills increase pressure.
🔍 Interpreted by analysts as Xi’s preemptive strike against internal coup risks.
4. Xi’s Disappearing Act
Since late 2023:
Xi skipped multiple international summits.
Public appearances have dropped.
Key events were attended by Premier Li Qiang, not Xi.
Whether due to health or marginalization, it signals an attempt to limit Xi’s exposure — and possibly prepare for transition.
🧬 The CCP Power Web: Who’s Moving Against Xi?
The CCP isn’t one block. It has factions:
FactionPower BaseView on XiShanghai CliqueJiang Zemin allies, business eliteDisenfranchisedCommunist Youth LeagueHu Jintao loyalistsMarginalizedPrincelings (Xi's base)Red aristocracy, PLADivided
🔺 After Xi purged thousands through anti-corruption drives, sidelined technocrats are now reasserting influence.
🔮 What Happens Next?
✅ Scenario 1: Xi Retains Power with Concessions
He keeps his title but cedes control over policy to Li Qiang or others.
🌀 Scenario 2: Quiet Retirement
The Party “retire” Xi for health or legacy reasons and brings in a successor behind closed doors.
💥 Scenario 3: Crisis-Driven Removal
A failed war, massive protests, or total economic collapse could be the trigger for his ouster.
🧠 Conclusion: The Unthinkable Becomes Possible
In China, power shifts are rarely public. But the signs of elite dissatisfaction, economic turmoil, and military purges all point to a coming storm within the Party.
Xi once appeared untouchable. Now, he looks increasingly isolated. If the CCP senses he’s become a liability, they’ll do what they’ve always done: preserve the Party — not the man.
🔭 “History doesn’t repeat, but it rhymes.” In 1976, Mao’s death ended the Cultural Revolution. In 2025, could a post-Xi era be on the horizon?