September 7, 2023
Introduction
In a surprising turn of events, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s absence from the upcoming G20 summit in New Delhi has raised eyebrows and speculation regarding the state of affairs within the Chinese Communist Party. Xi’s decision to skip this crucial international event, coupled with recent developments, hints at internal challenges and a desire to avoid potential embarrassment on the global stage.
The most significant indicator of these challenges emerged from the traditionally secretive Beidaihe meeting, an annual gathering of incumbent and retired leaders of the Chinese Communist Party held in the coastal town of Beidaihe. While the specifics of these meetings are never officially disclosed, this year’s closed-door discussions reportedly took a different tone compared to the previous ten Beidaihe meetings since Xi Jinping assumed the position of General Secretary in 2012.
Sources suggest that a group of retired party elders took the unprecedented step of reprimanding Xi Jinping during these discussions. Their message was clear: China faces political, economic, and social turmoil that could erode public support and threaten the Party’s rule if effective countermeasures are not implemented.
Former Vice President as Central Figure
Among these elders, the central figure was Zeng Qinghong, a former vice president and close aide to the late former President Jiang Zemin. Zeng played a pivotal role in Xi’s rapid ascent to power, and at 84 years old, he continues to wield influence within the party.
Following the rebuke from the elders, Xi Jinping vented his frustration to close aides, even questioning whether he should bear the blame for unresolved issues left by his three predecessors: Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, and Hu Jintao. His outburst reportedly left his aides, including Premier Li Keqiang, shaken.
Premier Li, who is responsible for the Chinese economy, faces significant headwinds as the nation’s economy falters. China’s deteriorating relations with the outside world, sluggish trade, and declining foreign investment further complicate matters.
Xi’s decision to skip not only the G20 summit but also a recent business forum at the BRICS summit suggests multiple factors at play. There is a possibility that he aims to avoid direct questions about the Chinese economy’s performance, and the absence of any breakthrough in U.S.-China relations makes a friendly meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden seem unlikely.
This series of developments highlights the intricate and often opaque nature of Chinese politics. Former Premier Li Keqiang, despite being forced into retirement in March, made a public appearance recently and received a warm reception from supporters, demonstrating his enduring popularity. Li Qiang, his successor, will represent China at the G20 summit in India in Xi’s place.
Conclusion
As the international community watches these political shifts and the challenges facing China, the future trajectory of the world’s second-largest economy remains uncertain. Xi Jinping’s absence from global summits and the internal dynamics within the Chinese Communist Party signal a period of significant political turbulence and potential policy shifts in the coming months.
