Understanding Xi Jinping’s Purges: Lessons from Stalin and Mao

Unlike the United States, where political disputes often unfold publicly with social media exchanges and outspoken criticism, China’s political landscape remains shrouded in secrecy. The abrupt removal of former President Hu Jintao from the 2022 Communist Party Congress and the mysterious circumstances surrounding former Premier Li Keqiang’s death in 2023 illustrate the opaque nature of Chinese leadership transitions.

This veil of secrecy has given rise to a unique group of online commentators known as “bedside eavesdroppers,” who analyze subtle signals and rumors to uncover potential shifts in political power. Their detailed observations of Xi Jinping’s appearances and behavior attract millions of viewers beyond China’s internet firewall.

Throughout the summer, these observers have tracked a series of purges carried out by Xi Jinping against military and political figures he himself had appointed. The speculation includes theories about confrontations between Xi’s faction and other party elders, as well as alleged military plots to challenge his authority. This discourse has also drawn attention from foreign analysts, raising questions about whether these actions demonstrate Xi’s consolidation of strength or reveal underlying vulnerabilities.

Chinese politics remains largely inscrutable, with few experts willing to engage in conjecture openly. Nevertheless, these developments raise important questions that resonate with historical patterns of authoritarian governance.