Beijing doubles down on security amid slowing economy
The Chinese Communist Party’s early response to China’s gloomy economic outlook was doubling down on regime security.
POLITICS

Political Risk Watch: Cai Qi, Beijing Chief and Xi’s Trusted Aide, Steps on a ‘Landmine’
◎ Xi’s rivals could use Cai’s misstep to stoke social tensions further and worsen the situation.

Political Risk Watch: Xi Slams Bureaucratism After Beijing Residents Protest
◎ Over a hundred residents of Beijing Chaoyang District’s Feijia Village marched in the streets on Dec. 10 to protest the Beijing municipal government’s forced eviction of the “low-end population” from the city.

After Zhang Yang’s Suicide, Senior Military Leaders Attend Study Session in Beijing
◎ China’s top military brass was very likely summoned to Beijing for the study seminar to declare their loyalty to Xi Jinping following the death of Zhang Yang.

Politics Watch: Wang Qishan’s Aide Becomes Vice Chairman of China’s Banking Regulator
◎ The appointment of Wang’s trusted aide to a top position in China’s banking regulator confirms our analysis that Xi is focusing his anti-corruption efforts on the financial sector.

Political Risk Watch: Beijing Training Session for Provincial-level Officials Hints at Turbulent Political Undercurrent
◎ The disquieting official coverage of Zhang Yang’s suicide and Dec. 6 education course for provincial-level officials hint at instability and unease in the CCP’s top civilian and military leadership.

Wang Yang Admits China, North Korea at Odds
◎ From China’s perspective, its number one priority is neutralizing the nuclear facilities near the Chinese border to prevent the possibility of a nuclear detonation.

Which Office Will Li Zhanshu, China’s No. 3, Occupy?
◎ Li Zhanshu should be named NPC chairman.

Clean Up of Propaganda Apparatus Signals Trouble for Liu Yunshan
◎ The propaganda apparatus under Liu Yunshan sought to undermine Xi Jinping by resorting to “gaojihei” smear tactics.

Public Security Minister Signals Purge With Mentions of Zhou Yongkang
◎ Zhao has criticized Zhou in at least six official meetings since taking office after the 19th Party Congress.
