Xi's Diminishing Power in China's Military Sphere Revealed
- Xi Jinping was absent from two significant military events, including a conference on modern warfare and a meeting with the Russian Defense Minister.
- Analysts interpret this absence as a sign of diminishing authority, suggesting an increase in power-sharing within the Chinese Communist Party.
- These developments highlight potential changes in China's military leadership and implications for its foreign relations.
In recent military events in China, Xi Jinping, the chairman of the Central Military Commission, was notably absent, raising concerns about his influence on military affairs. The absences occurred during a conference focused on modern warfare and a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov. Experts suggest this absence, especially from critical meetings, may indicate a shift in power dynamics, as Xi’s longtime confidant, He Weidong, was also missing from the military meetings. Analysts believe this signals increasing power-sharing in the Communist Party, leading to questions about Xi’s centralized authority over military operations. Some CCP leaders have reportedly called for Xi to relinquish some power reminiscent of historical challenges faced by Mao Zedong, suggesting they are wary of Xi’s previous political advantages. The implications of these power changes could affect China's relations with the U.S., its stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, and outcomes regarding Taiwanese sovereignty. This scenario is further compounded by the recent removal of military generals linked to Xi, indicating a significant shift in military leadership that could prevent aggressive foreign policy actions. As the CCP reassesses its position, the absence of Xi from key military discussions reflects broader strategic reconsiderations within the Chinese political landscape.