Military Shift Toward “Collective Leadership” Raises Questions About Xi Jinping’s Grip on power
In a recent development that has sparked widespread speculation, the chinese military has signaled a shift toward promoting “collective leadership” and opposing “one-man rule,” a move that some experts believe could indicate a potential weakening of President Xi Jinping’s control over the armed forces. This change comes on the heels of the dismissal of Miao Hua, a close ally of Xi and former director of the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission.
Military Mouthpiece Emphasizes Collective Leadership,Sparking Anomaly Theories
On December 9,the Communist Party’s official military website published an article titled “take the Lead in Adhering to Collective Leadership” under its “great Wall Watch” column. The piece, which was later republished by the Ministry of National Defense and other outlets, stressed the importance of collective leadership as a cornerstone of democratic centralism within the party. The article quoted ancient figures such as Deng Xiaoping, Mao Zedong, and Xi Jinping to underscore the importance of this principle.
Deng Xiaoping’s words were especially highlighted: “The leadership of the Communist Party is the leadership of the party committee as a whole, not the leadership of one or two people.” The article also criticized “one-note speech” and paternalism, suggesting that some leaders have used centralization to dominate decision-making processes.
A follow-up article on december 11, titled “Take the lead in Promoting Intra-Party Democracy,” further emphasized the need to avoid “personally determining the voice” during discussions and ”personally determining the final decision” when making choices. These articles have drawn notable attention from observers, who see them as unusual signals from the military.
Experts Weigh In: Is Xi Jinping Losing Control?
Shen Mingshi, a researcher at Taiwan’s National Defense and Security Research Institute, noted several anomalies in recent months that suggest a potential shift in xi Jinping’s power dynamics. “The frequency of mentions of Xi Jinping in official media has noticeably decreased,” Shen saeid. “Additionally, there seems to be an unusual focus on other leaders, such as Zhang Youxia, the vice chairman of the Military Commission, which is particularly striking in military publications.”
Shen added that Xi jinping’s arbitrary leadership style as taking power has been a point of contention within the party. The recent articles in the Military Daily appear to directly address these concerns, targeting Xi’s approach to decision-making.
Current affairs commentator Li linyi echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the term “chief” in the military context is reserved for high-ranking officials. “the fact that the Military Network is emphasizing collective leadership and the division of responsibilities among commanders could indicate that Xi Jinping’s influence in the military is waning,” Li said.”He has always championed the responsibility system of the Chairman of the Military Commission, but now the focus on collective leadership suggests a decentralization of his power.”
Li also raised the possibility of internal resistance within the military. “Xi Jinping’s recent arrest of Miao Hua,following the earlier arrest of Zhang Yang in the same position,could be a sign that the political Work Department is pushing back against Xi’s leadership,” Li explained. “These articles might be a intentional attempt to undermine Xi Jinping by invoking the words of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping to advocate for collective leadership.”
Implications for China’s political Landscape
The recent developments in the Chinese military have far-reaching implications for the country’s political landscape. If Xi Jinping’s control over the armed forces is indeed diminishing, it could signal a significant shift in the balance of power within the Communist Party. Observers will be watching closely to see how these changes play out in the coming months.
As the world watches, the question remains: Is this a temporary adjustment or a harbinger of a broader change in China’s political leadership?
Xi Jinping’s Seating Arrangement Sparks Speculation on Power Dynamics
In a recent inspection of the Chinese Communist Party’s military facts support unit in Beijing on December 4, 2024, President Xi Jinping’s seating arrangement has ignited widespread speculation about the internal power dynamics within the Chinese leadership.The event, which saw Xi seated centrally with military officers on either side, has been interpreted by many as a subtle yet significant shift in the balance of power.
Analysis: Is xi Jinping Transitioning Power Due to Health or Internal Strife?
The latest military newspaper article, which notably omits any mention of the Chairman of the Military Commission’s responsibility system, has fueled further debate.Instead, the article focuses on the division of responsibility among chiefs. This shift in emphasis has lead analysts to question whether Xi’s apparent move towards “collective leadership” is a strategic decision due to health concerns or a result of internal power struggles.
Shen Mingshi, a prominent political analyst, suggests that the trend towards “collective leadership” could be a rational move by Xi given his health status. “Even if Xi Jinping knows he is not in good health, he may realise he cannot centralize power again,” Shen said. “He needs to decentralize power and ensure a smooth transition, making it clear that it is a collective leadership.”
However, Shen also acknowledges the possibility of internal strife as a driving force behind this shift. “Another possibility is internal fighting, which would directly undermine Xi’s authority and take away his power,” he noted.
The “Chairman of the Military Commission Responsibility System,” originally proposed in the early 1980s under Deng Xiaoping,was reinforced by Xi after he came to power. In 2015, the Military Daily published an article stating that “the national armed forces must be under the unified leadership and command of the Chairman of the Central Military Commission.” this was followed by the slogan, “Resolutely listen to Chairman Xi’s command, be responsible to Chairman Xi, and reassure Chairman Xi.”
Shen Mingshi’s analysis points to the potential for collective leadership to prevent Xi from making detrimental decisions.”From economics to diplomacy, Xi’s one-man decision-making has led to many mistakes,” Shen said.”In his third term, many high-ranking officials he promoted were his own choices, and the latest being Miao Hua.”
Shen further speculated that if something were to happen to these officials, Xi could be held accountable for not recognizing the right people, which would impact his standing. ”It is very likely that CCP veterans and people like zhang Youxia wanted Xi Jinping to accept collective leadership,” Shen said. “Xi Jinping, feeling guilty due to lack of confidence, had no choice but to accept.”
“The other party is of course the past leaders. Like Wen Jiabao, Li Ruihuan, Zhu Rongji, etc., they should be putting pressure on Xi Jinping,” Shen added. “As (Xi) took Hu Jintao away at the 20th National Congress, it was a great stimulus to these veteran cadres.Now everyone is worried about whether the party and the country will be destroyed.”
According to previous disclosures by military media, articles discussing collective leadership’s “Watching the Great Wall” are typically featured prominently on the front page of the CCP’s Military Daily. Though, this latest article was placed on the sixth page, a move that has not gone unnoticed by keen observers of Chinese political dynamics.
As the world watches, the seating arrangement and the subsequent analysis provide a window into the complex and often opaque world of Chinese political leadership. Whether due to health concerns or internal strife, the shift towards collective leadership marks a significant moment in china’s political landscape.
China’s Military Press Navigates Power Dynamics with Emphasis on Democratic Centralism
In a recent development that has sparked significant internal debate, the Chinese military newspaper has strategically positioned an article discussing “democratic centralism,” a concept that has become a focal point in the ongoing power struggles within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Shen Mingshi, a prominent commentator, highlighted the nuanced placement of the article, stating, “If the article is placed on the front page, it signifies a direct challenge to Xi Jinping. Conversely, if it appears on the sixth page, it subtly conveys a message of promoting collective leadership among officers and soldiers.”
Wang He, a renowned expert on Chinese affairs, shared his insights with The Epoch Times, suggesting that the decision to publish the article on the first or sixth page could be indicative of internal competition and ongoing power games within the CCP. “This has always been a highly sensitive area for military propaganda,” Wang noted.
“Democratic Centralism” as a Tool in Power Struggles
During Xi Jinping’s tenure,the early years saw frequent mentions of “upholding and improving democratic centralism” in party media. However,in recent years,such articles have become less common,with a stronger emphasis on “centralized and unified leadership.”
The concept of democratic centralism has resurfaced in the CCP military press in recent months. In June, the Political Work Department of the Military Commission issued the ”Reading Book on Democratic Centralism,” which underscored Xi’s military authority by invoking democratic centralism. The document also emphasized the “two establishments” and “two safeguards,” political terms aimed at safeguarding Xi’s leadership and the implementation of the Chairman Responsibility System.
Wang He explained that the term “democratic centralism” is a construct within the CCP’s party culture. “The CCP leadership uses the facade of ‘democratic centralism’ to build relationships, protect vested interests, form cliques, and maintain surface harmony,” he said.
Wang further analyzed that the “Reading Book on Democratic Centralism” published in June was released ahead of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CCP. At that time, promoting democratic centralism in the military was a strategy for Xi to consolidate his authority. “The democratic centralism discussed then meant that each unit below could not engage in dictatorship or create another central figure,” Wang explained.
However, post the Third Plenary Session, the political landscape within the CCP has shifted significantly. when democratic centralism was revisited, its meaning had evolved. “The author of the military newspaper now implies, ‘Does the general secretary also abide by democratic centralism? Democratic centralism is the basic organizational principle of the party, and his status is higher than yours.Including Xi jinping himself,he also dare not openly deny democratic centralism,'” Wang said.
wang believes that the CCP military’s renewed focus on democratic centralism has transformed the Chairman Responsibility System into a system of division of labor and responsibility under the collective leadership of the entire Military Commission. “This is tantamount to institutionally and theoretically finalizing and implementing Xi Jinping’s abdication of power,” he concluded.
Rumors circulating in Beijing’s official circles suggest that retired General Liu Yuan, son of former CCP Chairman Liu Shaoqi, has written to the Central Committee lamenting the “death of the party.”
On November 1 last year, Liu Yuan published an article in memory of his father, emphasizing the observance of “democratic centralism,” opposing individual authoritarianism, and advocating against “monologues and paternalism.” The article sparked extensive discussion overseas, seen as a veiled critique of Xi Jinping.
Shen Mingshi noted that the CCP’s internal struggles frequently enough use the survival of the party and the country as a pretext, accusing the opposing party of failing in their duties. “The so-called democratic centralism of the Chinese Communist Party was over-centralization in the Mao era, while the democratic centralism in the Xi era was all about centralization of his own power. The current emphasis on democratic centralism is actually using the past CCP system to ask xi Jinping to delegate power,” shen explained.
“The second generation of red people are worried that if Xi Jinping continues like this, the party and the country may really be destroyed,” Shen added.
Wang He also pointed out that Xi Jinping has purged his close confidant Miao Hua, indicating ongoing internal power dynamics within the CCP.
As the CCP navigates these complex power dynamics, the emphasis on democratic centralism continues to be a strategic tool in the ongoing struggle for influence and control within the highest echelons of Chinese leadership.
China’s Military Faces Uncertainty Amid Party Reforms, Officials Say
Recent developments within China’s military have sparked widespread concern and uncertainty among its ranks, as the Communist Party of China (CPC) pushes forward with internal reforms aimed at enhancing democracy and clarity. The Fourth Plenary Session of the CPC Central Committee is expected to shed light on these changes, but officials and analysts suggest that the current atmosphere within the armed forces is one of anxiety and insecurity.
The CPC has been issuing a series of directives aimed at promoting democratic practices within both the party and the military. These moves, while intended to modernize and streamline governance, have reportedly left many military personnel feeling unsettled. A senior official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted, ”People in the military are in confusion. everyone is anxious, and there is no sense of security.”
The reforms come at a time when China is increasingly asserting its global influence,particularly in the military sphere.Though, the internal turmoil within the armed forces raises questions about the stability and readiness of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) as it faces complex international challenges.
Experts suggest that the CPC’s push for greater democracy within the military is part of a broader effort to address long-standing issues of corruption and inefficiency. Yet, the suddenness and scope of these changes have created a sense of unease among those tasked with defending the nation.
As the Fourth Plenary Session approaches, all eyes are on Beijing to see how the party will address these concerns and reassure its military personnel. The outcome of this session could have significant implications not only for the internal dynamics of the PLA but also for China’s broader strategic posture on the global stage.
For now, the uncertainty within China’s military remains a focal point for analysts and policymakers alike, as the nation navigates a path toward greater transparency and democratic governance.
Editor in charge: Li Muen
