The Mysterious Disappearance of Xi Jinping and the Power Shift in Beijing

Key Developments & Speculations

1. Prolonged Absence from Public View
   • Xi Jinping has not been publicly visible since early June, with only two state media clips released (June 20 and 24).
   • Notably absent from the BRICS summit—his first absence since taking office in 2013.
2. The Two-Week “Disappearance”
   • From May 21 to June 5, Xi was off the radar: no public statements, visits, or images in state outlets.
   • Neither People’s Daily nor Xinhua carried his photo or name during the gap.
3. Health Concerns or Strategic Retreat?
   • Officially attributed to “scheduling conflicts,” but rumors of health issues circulate, especially since his reappearance was subdued.
   • Belarus presser described him as “tired, distracted, and generally unwell”.
4. Military Purge Indicates Political Recalibration
   • Major shakeups in the People’s Liberation Army: key generals removed or missing, top defense posts shuffled.
   • Some Xi-appointed loyalists have disappeared since early 2023.
5. Rise of the Hu Jintao Faction
   • General Zhang Youxia and other senior CCP figures tied to former president Hu are gaining influence.
   • Wang Yang, a more reformist technocrat, is seen as a potential successor.
6. State Media Anomalies and Title Dropping
   • State TV briefly dropped Xi’s title after a call with Trump—an unprecedented gaffe.
   • Xinhua-linked “silent Politburo meeting” on June 30 raised eyebrows.
7. Economic and Internal Pressures
   • Rising youth unemployment (~15 %), stagnant real estate, and mounting national debt (approx. $50 trillion).
   • Social unrest and protests add pressure on leadership.

What Does This Mean?

• Sequence of Events:
  • Late May–early June: Xi disappears for ~2 weeks.
  • June 4: Re-emerges during Belarus president’s visit.
  • Late June: State media missteps and leadership purges intensify.
  • July 5–8: Xi skips BRICS, unrest travels online.
• Possible Explanations:
  1. Serious health issue — absence, posture, tone fueling speculation.
  2. Planned political transition — CCP factionalism, especially Hu-era elites, rising.
  3. Combination of both, with Xi temporarily sidelined amid power recalibration.
• Implications for China and Beyond:
  • Xi’s weakening could shift China’s strategic posture and leadership style.
  • Military-focused faction may gain greater influence—potential instability along borders.
  • Reform-oriented approach might replace Xi’s hardline governance.

Concluding Thoughts

Xi Jinping’s unusual disappearance is a rare glimpse into China’s inner workings. Whether it signals a covert leadership transition, a health crisis, or a blend of both, this moment feels like a tectonic shift within the CCP. Observers should watch for moves from Zhang Youxia, Wang Yang’s political resurgence, and Beijing’s tone in the coming weeks.