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Is Xi Jinping Losing His Grip? Disappearance Sparks Power Struggle Speculation in Beijing

China’s President Xi Jinping has been missing from public view for nearly three weeks, fuelling speculation about internal turmoil in the Chinese Communist Party. Once seen as a unifier, Xi tightened his grip through purges and loyalty-driven governance. But recent removals of top officials suggest fractures at the top. Economic stress, disengaged local cadres, and a faltering command structure point to weakening control. Past power struggles have often spilled into foreign policy, raising regional stakes. Xi, now in an unprecedented third term, faces mounting pressure. His silence has sparked questions, is it illness, infighting or the beginning of his political decline?

first published: Jul 2, 2025 08:27 pm