Xi Jinping on the Hotseat–What the Recent News in China Means

By: John Harris

John Harris is an expert on China and reporter for AP. The views of this op-ed are entirely his.

I published a news piece one week ago detailing some behind-the-scenes movements that might indicate that Chinese hardliners are preparing to oust Xi Jinping from power. I noted that while Xi has enjoyed great popularity boosts from fulfilling his promise on Taiwanese reunification, he has faced difficulties in preventing China’s economy from spiraling. More importantly, China’s hardliners have disparaged Xi’s passive stance to the United States’ retreat from East Asia. They also criticize Xi’s indifference to warming relations between Japan and South Korea.

Since this news story was published, Xinhua News has reported that an anti-corruption campaign is underway. This campaign has allegedly been an early success, with China having arrested many thus far. 

This is a risky move. While true success could buy Xi some more time, it could also heighten insecurity among political rivals–and even some moderate supporters. Without addressing the hardliners’ underlying concerns, Xi is betting that his power is significant enough to conduct a successful purge operation. Anything less, and a desperate rival may decide to take matters into his own hands.