Xi Jinping’s Purge of Trusted Allies Echoes Historical Power Struggles

Unlike the overt political confrontations seen in the United States, where public disputes between powerful politicians and wealthy businessmen unfold transparently through social media and speeches, China operates in stark contrast with its intense secrecy.

For example, the Chinese public remains largely unaware of the reasons behind former President Hu Jintao’s abrupt removal from the 2022 Communist Party Congress or the circumstances surrounding ex-Premier Li Keqiang’s death at 68 in 2023. Even decades later, the full account of Lin Biao—Mao Zedong’s designated successor who fled China and died in a 1971 plane crash—remains shrouded in mystery.

This culture of secrecy has fostered a niche of dedicated online commentators, often referred to as 'insider sleuths,' who scrutinize rumors and subtle signals for indications of political shifts. Their analyses, frequently shared on platforms like YouTube, dissect details such as Xi Jinping’s gait, complexion, and media appearances, attracting millions of viewers worldwide despite China’s internet restrictions.

This summer, these political sleuths have been particularly busy. Xi Jinping has orchestrated the removal of several military and political leaders, all of whom he had previously appointed. These commentators have constructed detailed timelines of Xi’s political maneuvers, including confrontations between his faction and senior party elders, and even speculated about secret military plans to challenge his authority. These discussions have extended beyond China, with former U.S. national security advisors, diplomats, and Washington think tanks suggesting potential fractures within Xi’s power base. Political risk consultants and investment funds have also rushed to advise clients, questioning whether Xi’s actions signal strength or vulnerability.