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
Politics Watch: The Hong Kong Extradition Law and the CCP Factional Struggle
◎ Xi’s political rivals are “weaponizing” Party orthodoxy against the Xi camp in Hong Kong affairs.
Politics Watch: The Multiple Political Signals in Xi’s Jiangxi Tour
◎ Several political signals in Xi’s inspection trip to Jiangxi are meant for different groups within the Party.
Politics Watch: Probe of Liu Shiyu Sharply Raises Xi’s Political Risks
◎ The investigation of Liu Shiyu comes after an escalation in the Sino-U.S. trade war in early May and a worsening of bilateral relations.
Politics Watch: US Tariffs Heighten Political Dilemmas in China
◎ Beijing’s response to the trade war is shaped by the complexities of the CCP factional struggle.
Politics Watch: Public Appearances by Party Elders Hint at Heightened Political Crisis in China
◎ Jiang Zemin and Zeng Qinghong’s recent public appearance signals to the Jiang faction and allied interest groups that they still have clout in CCP elite politics.
Politics Watch: A Black Swan Leading Indicator Emerges from Xi’s Italy Trip
◎ In Italy, Xi signals strong determination to push through reforms.
Politics Watch: More Signs Point to Escalation in the CCP Factional Struggle
◎ Gu Zhuoheng’s tweets and Cui Yongyuan’s “reappearance” appear to connect a trail of breadcrumbs which point to an intensification of the CCP factional struggle.
Politics Watch: A Black Swan Leading Indicator Surfaces at the Two Sessions
◎ The spotlighting of qigong at the Two Sessions is connected with the “you die, I live” factional struggle in the CCP.
Politics Watch: Xi Faces Pushback from the Intelligence Apparatus
◎ There is a pattern in recent years of “explosive information” about CCP elites being revealed during crucial periods in the factional struggle.