“He’s Had a Rough Summer”: Pressure Mounts on Xi to Relinquish Control as China’s…

Xi Jinping Faces Growing Pressure to Loosen Grip as China’s Crises Mount

The Challenges Facing Xi Jinping

Over the past few months, Chinese President Xi Jinping has faced a series of challenges including natural disasters, economic difficulties, disappearing ministers, community dissent, and international disputes. Despite these troubles, Xi continues to maintain a firm grip on power, even as experts predict that the situation may worsen.

The Impact of Centralized Power

According to experts, many of the issues plaguing Xi can be attributed to his centralization of power. By surrounding himself with a shrinking circle of trusted advisers, Xi limits the diversity of perspectives and information he receives. This makes it difficult to make well-informed decisions and address the mounting problems China faces.

Economic Challenges and Unemployment

Domestically, China’s economy continues to struggle, and the housing market crisis has deepened. Factory protests over wages and working conditions have occurred, and young people are facing record-high unemployment rates. However, the government has stopped publishing negative data, making it hard to assess the true extent of the unemployment problem. Xi’s plan to send young graduates to work in rural areas, known as “eating bitterness,” has been met with criticism as it offers little hope for improvement.

Natural Disasters and Public Dissent

In July and August, China experienced record-breaking rainfall and flooding, leading to the deaths of dozens of people and the evacuation of about a million. These natural disasters have caused public outcry, particularly when it appeared that rural areas were sacrificed to protect Beijing. The government’s zero-Covid policy has also shown that officials are willing to follow Xi’s orders at all costs, raising concerns about the motivation behind their actions.

Political Elite Criticism and Disappearances

There have been reports of party elders criticizing Xi at the Beidaihe retreat, while citizens and legal academics openly accused the government of overreach with a proposed law that would allow the detention of individuals without trial for clothing, symbols, or comments deemed to “harm the feelings” of China. Additionally, several key officials, including the foreign minister and the defence minister, have disappeared from public view, indicating a growing isolationist stance under Xi’s leadership.

Shifting International Relations

China’s international ties have also faced challenges, with strained relationships with the US and other liberal democracies. While there were brief improvements in relations earlier this year, recent events, such as President Joe Biden’s labeling of Xi as a dictator and the signing of a security agreement between the US, South Korea, and Japan, have further exacerbated tensions. Xi’s decision to skip the G20 summit and his efforts to shift power away from western-dominated blocs like the G20 indicate a deliberate strategy to assert China’s independence and influence.

The Way Forward

As Xi navigates these mounting challenges, the key question is whether he will heed the lessons of the summer and listen to the concerns of the Chinese people. Experts suggest that a reversal of policy may be necessary to address the issues China faces, but it remains uncertain whether Xi is willing to make such changes. Ultimately, the situation cannot continue indefinitely, and it is likely that there will be a shift in policy, even if Xi remains in office. However, the worst may still be yet to come.

Editorial and Advice: Striking a Balance

This period of crisis presents an opportunity for Xi Jinping and the Chinese government to reassess their approach to governance. While centralizing power may have initially provided stability and control, it has increasingly created challenges and discontent. To address these issues, it is crucial for Xi to foster a more inclusive decision-making process that embraces a diversity of viewpoints and expertise. This will enable a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing China and lead to more effective and sustainable solutions.

Furthermore, in order to regain trust both domestically and internationally, Xi should prioritize transparency and accountability. Public dissent and criticism should be seen as opportunities for growth and improvement, rather than threats to power. By maintaining an open dialogue with the Chinese people and engaging in constructive discussions with the international community, China can build stronger relationships and work towards shared goals.

It is also important for China to strike a balance between asserting its independence and engaging with the global community. While it is natural for any nation to prioritize its own interests, isolating oneself entirely can lead to missed opportunities and increased tensions. China should seek to find common ground and collaborate with other countries on issues of mutual concern, fostering a spirit of cooperation and understanding.

In conclusion, the numerous challenges faced by Xi Jinping and China present an opportunity for reflection and change. By embracing a more inclusive and transparent approach to governance, China can navigate the complexities of the modern world and work towards a brighter future.