This video discusses a The Economist report analyzing a subtle but significant shift in Xi Jinping's leadership style, signaling his preparation for long-term rule in China. The report suggests that Xi has consolidated power to an unprecedented degree, marginalizing older party elites and filling key positions with loyalists. While reducing his direct public appearances and personal oversight of committees, he is delegating operational authority to a trusted inner circle (Cai Qi, Li Qiang, Ding Xuexiang). This strategy, likened to the "Empress Dowager Cixi mode" and historical Soviet leadership, allows Xi to maintain ultimate control, particularly over the military, without constant direct involvement, effectively ruling from behind the scenes without naming a successor. The host concurs with this analysis, attributing the shift to Xi's elimination of rivals and the grooming of his proteges, possibly also influenced by his health.
Summarizing Xi Jinping's Evolving Leadership: The 'Empress Dowager Cixi' Model
0:05 Economist Report's Credibility: The host introduces an Economist article, praising its rigorous analysis and consistent accuracy in observing Chinese politics, particularly regarding Xi Jinping.
0:50 Beidaihe Shift: The annual August Beidaihe gathering of top Chinese leaders is no longer a formal "Beidaihe meeting" but a holiday, reflecting Xi Jinping's successful re-shaping of the CCP's high command.
1:41 Consolidation of Power: Older party members have either passed away, are incapacitated, or have been marginalized, ensuring that only loyalists hold dominant positions within the party, leaving Xi with no real competitors.
2:47 Subtle Leadership Style Changes: Xi's leadership style is subtly evolving, marked by a significant reduction in the frequency of meetings for committees he personally chairs and fewer public appearances.
3:32 Reduced Oversight, Increased Authority: While the number of his personally chaired meetings, such as the crucial Economic Reform Committee, has drastically decreased (e.g., from 38 meetings in 2013-2018 to only 6 since 2022), this doesn't signify a weakening of his authority but rather its further entrenchment.
4:30 New Governing Structure: The Politburo recently established a new body, informally dubbed the "Military Affairs Office" (军机处), consolidating various smaller groups. New rules like "overall coordination without overstepping" and "implementation without overstepping authority" aim to ensure Xi's agenda is executed without his constant direct involvement.
5:32 Delegation to Loyalists: Xi is empowering three key confidantes—Cai Qi, Li Qiang, and Ding Xuexiang—with significant responsibilities. These individuals are close to Xi but reportedly not close to each other, fostering competition. Li Qiang, in particular, has regained economic policy responsibilities previously curtailed under Li Keqiang and now represents China internationally.
6:57 Long-Term Rule Strategy:The Economist concludes that delegating power to trusted allies without designating a successor is a clear sign of Xi Jinping preparing for long-term rule, implying he won't step down in his third term (2027).
10:03 The "Empress Dowager Cixi" Model: The host agrees, suggesting Xi is adopting a "Cixi mode" (垂帘听政 - "ruling from behind the curtain"), where he maintains ultimate control, especially over the military, allowing subordinates to manage daily affairs.
11:30 Historical Parallels: This strategy is likened to Mao Zedong, Jiang Zemin, and Deng Xiaoping, who also delegated daily governance while retaining ultimate power. A strong parallel is drawn to Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, who also empowered a competitive inner circle (Chernenko, Andropov, Ustinov) to manage affairs during his later years.
13:30 A Ruling Tactic: The overall takeaway is that Xi's apparent retreat from the forefront is not a relinquishing of power but a sophisticated "ruling tactic and skill," enabling him to avoid excessive workload and risk while maintaining absolute control.