Is Xi Jinping Losing Power:Xi Jinping’s sudden disappearance, internal CCP purges, and the rise of Hu Jintao’s faction point toward a possible regime change in China. Explore all developments behind the power struggle rocking Beijing in 2025.
Is Xi Jinping Losing Power?
China, a country known for tight political control and secrecy, is once again at the center of global speculation. At the heart of this storm is President Xi Jinping, a leader who once seemed invincible, now reportedly missing from public view, facing internal rebellion, and possibly dealing with critical health issues. Could China be on the verge of a regime change? Let’s uncover the layers of this developing story.
Is Xi Jinping Losing Power? Xi’s Mysterious Disappearance Raises Eyebrows
The last time President Xi Jinping was seen in public was on May 21, 2025. After this date, he disappeared for 12 consecutive days, an event that triggered a flood of speculation. For someone who has dominated Chinese media coverage for over a decade, his absence from newspapers and official channels was alarming.
The mystery deepened when Xi skipped the 17th BRICS Summit held on July 6, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This was unprecedented. Since the inception of BRICS, no Chinese President had ever missed a summit. Chinese state media remained silent on his absence, further fueling questions.
Is Xi Jinping Losing Power? A Private Meeting Sparks Global Intrigue
On June 3, 2025, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko became the only foreign dignitary to meet Xi during his period of disappearance. Interestingly, their meeting did not occur at the Presidential Palace but in a small house. Even more surprising, there were no translators or government officials present during the conversation. Lukashenko later remarked that Xi seemed unusually tired, distracted, and unwell throughout the meeting.
Is Xi Jinping Losing Power? Is Xi Critically Ill or Being Sidelined?
Reports in Chinese media claimed that Xi had suffered multiple heart attacks. But international outlets like The Economic Times suggested something deeper — a planned regime change, possibly led by former President Hu Jintao.
Further chaos unfolded when People’s News stated that Xi was critically ill, while the New York Post cited a Russian intelligence report claiming he had suffered several strokes and heart attacks. According to this report, Xi might resign during the upcoming CCP meeting in August 2025 due to his deteriorating health.
State Media Distancing from Xi?
Since the start of June, China’s main state-run newspaper, People’s Daily, stopped featuring Xi’s image on its front page — something unheard of in his 12-year rule. Even in a conversation published between Xi and US President Donald Trump, Chinese media initially omitted Xi’s official title, only correcting it later.
Moreover, since May, foreign dignitaries visiting the Great Hall in Beijing were received by other CCP leaders, not Xi himself. A regular senior CCP meeting scheduled for May was abruptly canceled — shortly after internal discussions reportedly began about removing Xi from power.
Is Xi Jinping Losing Power? Key Loyalists Removed or Eliminated
One of the most shocking developments is the mysterious deaths and forced resignations of Xi’s closest allies. General Xu Qiliang, the vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and considered one of Xi’s biggest power pillars, reportedly died of a heart attack. However, whistleblowers like journalist Shao Lanjuan claimed Xu died from extreme internal pressure and stress.
Multiple generals — He Weidong, Miao Hua, Lin Xiangyang — and top CCP officials loyal to Xi have either been removed, sidelined, or mysteriously passed away. Some media reports suggest that these removals are part of a larger political cleansing to strip Xi of all remaining influence.
Is Xi Jinping Losing Power?The Silent Power Struggle Within CCP
What’s happening now seems to follow a familiar CCP pattern. Jennifer Zeng, a former researcher turned journalist, explained that the CCP rarely removes its leaders overnight. Instead, they’re slowly rendered politically irrelevant — stripped of visibility, power, and eventually replaced.
This strategy was used against former leaders like Hua Guofeng, who was gradually marginalized after opposing Deng Xiaoping’s reforms. Similarly, Premier Li Keqiang was sidelined for supporting an open economy and later removed by Xi.
Xi’s Consolidation of Power — And How It Backfired
Xi Jinping’s rise to power was marked by unprecedented centralization. He dismantled the elite consultative committee, packed the Politburo Standing Committee with loyalists, and placed trusted generals at key military posts. He even led purges across the CCP, reportedly jailing over 170 provincial governors and over 1.3 million party officials under the pretext of anti-corruption.
By doing so, Xi created many enemies within the party, especially those aligned with reformist factions like the Communist Youth League — led by none other than former President Hu Jintao.
Is Xi Jinping Losing Power? The Humiliation of Hu Jintao — The Turning Point?
In 2022, Xi publicly removed Hu Jintao from a CCP Congress session in front of live media. While the official reason cited health concerns, the timing was suspicious. Moments before being escorted out, Hu was seen reviewing documents that could have challenged Xi’s dominance.
This moment was seen as Xi’s open declaration of dominance, but it also drew a clear battle line with the Youth League faction — a group pushing for reforms and greater political decentralization.
The Resistance is Rising
Reports suggest that Hu Jintao and his faction are now silently pulling strings behind the scenes. An open letter submitted to CCP headquarters by Hu’s allies accused Xi of economic and diplomatic failures and demanded urgent action.
Simultaneously, several of Xi’s loyal generals were removed and replaced by individuals aligned with Hu. Even the official status of Xi’s father’s mausoleum has been revoked — a symbolic move suggesting erosion of Xi’s legacy.
Who Will Replace Xi Jinping?
If a regime change is indeed underway, there are a few prominent names being floated as Xi’s possible successors:
- Wang Yang – A senior technocrat and former member of the Politburo Standing Committee, known for his reformist views. He was forced into early retirement by Xi in 2022 but remains highly respected.
- Hu Chunhua – A strong leader from the Youth League faction and a close ally of Hu Jintao. Though his rise was blocked by Xi, he remains a top contender due to his administrative skills and internal party support.
- General Zhang Youxia – Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission and one of the most powerful military figures in China. Despite being a relative of Xi, reports suggest he is now aligned with Hu’s faction and could play a key role in the transition.
What Happens If Xi Falls?
The fall of a dictator does not just end a rule — it collapses the system built around them. If Xi Jinping is truly on his way out, China faces an uncertain transition. Will it be peaceful? Will it lead to a more reformist China? Or could it spark internal chaos?
With state media carefully crafting narratives, and global intelligence agencies offering conflicting reports, the real truth remains elusive. But one thing is clear — something significant is unfolding in the corridors of Chinese power.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available news reports, expert analyses, and credible international sources as of July 2025. While every effort has been made to present accurate and balanced information, the nature of Chinese internal politics involves secrecy and censorship. Some claims mentioned may remain unverified or speculative until officially confirmed. Readers are encouraged to view the content with critical thinking and awareness of geopolitical sensitivities.