Xi Solidifies Party Dominance Over State Apparatus at Two Sessions
The first two days of the Two Sessions saw three developments that more firmly entrenched the Party’s domination over the state government.
POLITICS
China’s Powerful Domestic Security Apparatus Set to be Further Weakened
◎ The new leading group for advancing law-based governance will eventually render the PLAC redundant as the rule of law and constitutionalism starts taking priority over Party rule.
Risk vs. Opportunity: Xi’s New Shanghai Chief to Target Entrenched Corruption Networks
◎ Li Qiang will escalate Xi’s anti-corruption drive in Shanghai.
China Could Get a Fifth Vice Premier
◎ New Politburo member Yang Jiechi may become a State Council vice premier with a foreign affairs portfolio.
China’s Paramilitary, a ‘Coup Tool,’ to be Drastically Downsized
◎ The PAP reforms are helpful to Xi in two ways.
Risk Watch: Four Financial Industries Xi’s Anti-corruption Drive Will Hit
◎ Xi’s intent to clean up the financial sector is best observed in the proceedings of the 5th National Financial Work Conference in mid-July.
Xi Strengthens Control Over Key Provinces With Leadership Reshuffle
◎ Communist Party factions try to get their supporters into the top provincial leadership office to grow their influence.
New Politburo Regulation Confirms Xi’s ‘General Secretary Plus’ Role
◎ The new work report requirement for Politburo members clearly sets Xi above the rest of the Politburo Standing Committee.
These Six Officials Will Shape the Future of China’s Economy
◎ Economic reform is a top priority for Xi, but he faces stiff internal opposition.
Two Key Issues You Must Know to Decode China’s Future
◎ China’s future trajectory can be decoded if observers understand two key issues.