Part 5/9:
Ken emphasizes that the regimes’ ability to remove top officers without resistance demonstrates the pervasive fear and obedience that Xi commands. If genuine fractures existed, we might expect signs of internal conflict, street protests, or leaks—none of which are evident in this case.
The Target: Corruption and Competence, Not Ideological Opposition
Interestingly, the officials targeted in these purges are often accused of corruption, incompetence, or perceived threats due to their knowledge and competence. Sometimes, they are removed because they are "too good" at their jobs, potentially threatening the existing power balance. This is consistent with authoritarian tactics: eliminate anyone who could challenge the leader's supremacy, regardless of their ideological stance.