Xi’s ‘death watch’ will become a global spectacle
China’s internal risks are now the world’s risks.
As China's Xi Jinping enters the final stage of his rule, the world watches with bated breath, given the unique circumstances surrounding his leadership. Historically, the transition of power within autocratic regimes has often been tumultuous, with Mao Zedong's and Deng Xiaoping's respective declines serving as cautionary tales.
Xi's predicament is particularly fraught, given the global significance of China and the potential ramifications of a leadership change. The 73-year-old leader's declining health has become a topic of concern, with reports suggesting he appears frail even in public appearances. His brief and hesitant meetings with US President Donald Trump highlight the challenges of maintaining effective governance under such constraints.
Yet, the inner workings of China's political landscape remain opaque, and the selection of a successor poses its own set of complex questions. Xi's recent purges and paranoia about his rivals further complicate the situation, hinting at a potential power struggle that could have far-reaching consequences. As the world watches, one can't help but wonder if the end of Xi's era will resemble Deng's relatively smooth transition or Mao's more tumultuous one, marked by intervention, show trials, and intervention.
The stakes could not be higher, as Xi must navigate this critical juncture without sacrificing the stability and unity of his nation.
Written by urgent.news from Semafor's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
