As astronauts discover the first evidence of extra-terrestrial life on Mars, they begin realising that the life form is extremely intelligent and hostile.
In recent months, rumors have been rife that Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping has lost power. Recently, former U.S. diplomat Gregory W. Slayton, writing in the New York Post, analyzed the unusual signs surrounding Xi, predicting that Xi may step down at the CCP’s August Plenary Session or remain in a more symbolic position.
In his piece, Slayton noted that in recent months, there have been extraordinary signs that Xi Jinping — who previously seemed to be in control — may be on his way out. He also suggested that former CCP leader Hu Jintao, who was once publicly humiliated by Xi, may now be playing a role behind the scenes.
Slayton explained that rumors of Xi’s downfall are not new, but it is unprecedented for dozens of Xi loyalists in the military to be collectively purged or even mysteriously die, and then replaced by generals from other factions. Currently, Zhang Youxia, the vice chairman of the Central Military Commission who was previously at odds with Xi, is said to have become the de facto leader of the CCP military.
In addition, the “de-naming” of the memorial museum of Xi Zhongxun, Xi Jinping’s father, has also come under scrutiny. The museum, built in Shaanxi province to commemorate Xi Zhongxun, suddenly dropped the name of Xi’s father when it opened in May, and was renamed the “Guanzhong Revolution Museum” — an unprecedented move.
Slayton also noted that Xi Jinping’s personal security detail was recently halved, asking: “Which world leader would reduce his personal security?”
In addition, Xi Jinping disappeared for nearly two weeks from late May to early June, during which time, all state guest receptions were handled by other high-ranking CCP officials. The frequency of Xi’s appearances in official CCP media, such as the People’s Daily, has also dropped drastically.
Xi finally reappeared in early June, meeting with Belarusian President Lukashenko, but Slayton observed that Xi appeared extremely tired, even sullen, as if he had just suffered a defeat. The meeting took place in a private residence-style venue in Zhongnanhai, never used for state events, and was attended by only a handful of people, with no interpreters or senior staff present. This was a stark departure from previous official protocol.
In contrast, other state meetings held by CCP leaders have been held in grand official halls, projecting authority and power.
Even after Xi’s recent phone call with US President Donald Trump, CCP state media outlets such as CCTV did not mention Xi’s official title.
Slayton said this was unprecedented. Although it was later partially corrected, he believes it was not an accidental mistake.
He also noted that some professors at top Chinese universities are now writing direct criticisms of Xi, something that was taboo in the past.
Slayton said these are just some of the many unusual signals coming from Beijing that indicate a major shift in the CCP’s power structure.
As for who will succeed Xi, while it is not certain, it appears that Zhang Youxia and other CCP elders have already chosen Wang Yang as their successor.
Wang Yang, a former CCP vice premier who was forced to retire in 2023 after stepping down as chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is known as a moderate reformist promoted by Deng Xiaoping. He supports free markets and soft diplomacy.
China is a “mystery wrapped in an enigma,” Slayton said, and no one can be absolutely sure of anything. But given the disastrous results of Xi Jinping’s authoritarian rule, his departure is hardly surprising.
He cited several examples such as:
China's total debt has exceeded 50 trillion US dollars
A wave of Chinese wealthy people and their assets out of the country
Unemployment rates that are comparable to those of the Great Depression
All of this makes local riots, factory burnings, and anti-government protests in various parts of China no longer surprising.
For the United States, Slayton said, if managed well, these changes could have a huge positive impact on the US and its democratic allies.
Trump could even win the Cold War against the CCP without firing a single shot. Countries such as Russia, North Korea, and Iran could also be negatively affected.
The article concluded by stating that Xi Jinping has once again proven the famous adage: "Power tends to diverge, and absolute power diverges absolutely."
Slayton hopes that Xi's successor can learn from the success of Western and Asian democratic countries, leading China towards a free market, a free society, true democracy, and the rule of law. Although the journey there may be tumultuous, he believes the end result will be worth it. (Hui/asr)