Once, Xi Jinping seemed like an unbeatable leader, shining brightly since he became the most powerful person in China in 2012. For a long time, he was praised as China’s economy and military grew stronger. But now, things look different, and his image is starting to fade.
One big reason for this is how he handled the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are also unhappy with his strict controls over every part of life in China and his strong support for Vladimir Putin during the war in Ukraine. Plus, his economic policies aren’t working as well as he had hoped.
In addition, Xi has made enemies outside China. He has caused problems by trying to take more land in India and the South China Sea, making threats against Taiwan, and violating human rights in regions like Xinjiang. This has upset not just neighboring countries but also Europe and the United States. His military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), has been aggressive but is now facing its own problems with corruption and scandals. Xi is watching this closely because he doesn’t seem to have full confidence in his own forces.
Recently, a military newspaper even suggested that leadership should be shared, which challenges Xi’s way of ruling where he holds all the power. His past approach was to make all decisions alone, but the military seems to want change.
Opposition is quietly growing, even though it’s hard for anyone to speak out against him due to his intense security measures. A scholar named Willy Wo-Lap Lam pointed out that there are four main groups against Xi: retired leaders, powerful families, some military leaders, and a frustrated middle class. Xi seems to be losing some of his grip on business and foreign policies, as decisions are not being made as frequently as before, hinting at tensions within his administration.
Changes might be happening within his leadership style. For instance, Xi recently sent a representative to attend Donald Trump’s inauguration in the U.S., marking a shift in his once-aggressive approach to diplomacy.
Many older party members feel restricted under Xi. Some can’t even meet or travel without his permission. There are whispers that these elders do not support Xi’s direction. Families with historical connections to the party, called princelings, are also not happy with Xi’s actions. Those who’ve prospered under the system are now criticizing him, especially after witnessing widespread unemployment and difficulties from his policies.
Moreover, there’s growing frustration among the middle class in China, many of whom are moving overseas due to dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. Protests have even erupted, like the one after a student’s tragic suicide was ignored by local officials.
Lam believes Xi’s authority is slowly fading, which could hinder plans to revive the economy or fix relations with other countries. The economic measures taken since September are seen as insufficient. Although Xi doesn’t seem eager to change his approach or relinquish power, many wonder whether public protests could erupt against him soon.
Even within the PLA, leaders are unhappy, experiencing dismissals and confusion. Meetings occurred without Xi, hinting at his potential loss of control.
Kenneth Allen, another scholar, remarked that changes in military leadership might affect readiness for future conflicts. The ruling body of the PLA is very small now, and corruption remains a big problem. The ministry and its leaders have been toppled due to scandals, adding to Xi’s challenges.
As Xi navigates through increasing resistance from the party, complaints from the public, and unrest in the military, it is clear he faces tough times ahead. He keeps demanding loyalty but seems to be losing ground in earning respect and trust.
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