Part 7/12:
Despite the turmoil, Xi Jinping remains at the core of the Communist Party’s official narrative. The PLA Daily, China’s official military mouthpiece, issued statements emphasizing the importance of loyalty to Xi as the “core” of party unity. This signals a collective effort to portray a united front amidst internal chaos.
However, signs point to a more complex reality. The purge of loyalists raises questions about whether Xi is genuinely consolidating power or facing challenges from rivals. Some evidence suggests that Xi’s supporters are acting to contain leaks of dissent and prevent threats to his authority. Moreover, reports of health issues and maneuvering by faction leaders imply a potential weakening of his grip, though nothing definitive has been officially acknowledged.