🇨🇳 Xi Jinping’s Fall from Power? – 5 Signals Experts Are Watching Closely

🇨🇳 Xi Jinping’s Fall from Power? – 5 Signals Experts Are Watching Closely

By hu Lee– International Affairs Analyst | July 11, 2025

In July 2025, a political storm is brewing in China.

The term "Xi Jinping's downfall" is gaining traction across global media and online platforms.

While official Chinese sources remain silent, insiders and experts are detecting unprecedented shifts within the Communist Party's inner circle.

So is Xi Jinping truly losing his grip on power—or is this all part of a calculated strategy?

Here are 5 key signs experts are closely monitoring.

1. Military Purges: Xi’s Power Base Under Attack?

The first red flag appeared within China’s military elite.

Over the past year, several top figures within the Central Military Commission—many considered close to Xi—have vanished or been purged.

> “In China, the military is the core of political power. If Xi is losing control over it, that could signal a very real threat to his authority.”

— Prof. Kang Jun-young, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (Source: MBC News)

One telling moment came when General Zhang Youxia, long seen as Xi's loyal ally, was seen not taking notes during a major party meeting—a subtle but powerful signal of distancing.

2. A Return to Collective Leadership?

In a surprising move, the Chinese Communist Party recently established a new decision-making body involving retired senior officials.

This could be interpreted as an intentional curbing of Xi's one-man rule.

> “This indicates that internal checks and balances are returning to Chinese politics. It might signal a ‘soft exit’ strategy for Xi Jinping rather than an outright coup.”

— Dr. Zhang Fuseng, Chinese University of Hong Kong

3. Skipping the BRICS Summit: Health Rumors Resurface

Earlier this month, Xi unexpectedly skipped the BRICS summit in Brazil, triggering fresh speculation about his health.

> “His international absence, along with previous signs of fatigue, is reinforcing long-standing rumors about health issues—and that, in turn, feeds political instability.”

— Mark Capo, Senior Columnist, Foreign Policy Weekly

4. “Power Shift Is Underway,” Says Former U.S. Official

In a recent CNN interview, a former senior U.S. White House official stated:

> “A power transition is already happening in China, quietly and carefully.”

This statement suggests that U.S. intelligence agencies may already be tracking real changes inside China’s power structure.

5. Counter-Narrative: Is Xi Still in Control?

Despite the speculation, recent developments suggest that Xi Jinping may still be firmly in charge.

A political bureau meeting was broadcast nationwide, with Xi chairing the session.

Footage showed Zhang Youxia resuming his note-taking—a possible staged show of unity.

> “If Xi were truly ousted, there would be no such public display. This might be a highly calculated attempt to defuse speculation and project control.”

— Dr. Scott Kennedy, CSIS (Center for Strategic & International Studies)

Bottom Line: Fall from Power or Strategic Reshuffle?

Right now, it’s too early to confirm a political downfall.

But the signs of internal rebalancing are real.

Possibility Details

🔥 Fall from power Military purges, summit absence, U.S. insider leaks suggest instability

🧊 Still in charge Public meetings, consistent party activities contradict the rumors

🎯 Third scenario A strategic power redistribution or controlled transition

What to Watch Next

Beidaihe Leadership Retreat (late July)

20th Party Central Committee’s 4th Plenary Session (August)

Victory Day Celebrations (September 3)

These events will be crucial in revealing whether Xi’s authority is consolidating or eroding.

📌 Reader Question: “If Xi really steps down, what happens next?”

China remains a one-party system.

A leadership change won't collapse the regime, but it could redefine foreign policy, economics, and global diplomacy.

🔗 Sources

MBC News Desk: Xi Jinping’s Rumored Fall

Daum News: Health rumors and diplomacy

Foreign Policy Weekly (July 2025 Edition)

What do YOU think?

Is Xi Jinping really on the way out—or is this just clever power chess?

💬 Leave your thoughts in the comments!

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