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Unlike past instances where state media would swiftly intervene to quell such rumors, the current silence suggests a blatant shift in Xi's ability to command loyalty and media control. His mother's death, if confirmed, is not merely a personal tragedy but a crucial point in his political image, one which could exacerbate existing tensions about his leadership.
Traditionally, Xi has leveraged his family lineage as a conduit of political legitimacy, painting himself as the rightful heir to a legacy steeped in the party's history. However, with these recent developments, there is a palpable shift towards a narrative where Xi is losing grip on this legacy and on his authority.