Elite Forum: Former Journalist Questions Li Keqiang’s Death Sentence, Power Struggle Intensifies

A retired journalist named Gu Wanming, who used to work for Xinhua News Agency, was sentenced to one year in prison at the end of 2024 by a Shanghai court for the crime of provocation. Recent reports have surfaced that he has also been deprived of his retirement benefits by Xinhua News Agency, meaning he will no longer receive his pension. Gu Wanming stirred up quite a commotion within the Communist Party of China because after the sudden death of former Premier Li Keqiang in Shanghai, he wrote an open letter demanding a thorough investigation into Li’s cause of death to provide an explanation to the entire party and nation.

The circumstances surrounding Li Keqiang’s death indeed raised many suspicions, but with almost a year and a half gone by, most Chinese people are starting to forget about it. The news about Gu Wanming has brought this issue back into the spotlight. What is the CCP afraid of?

Independent TV producer Li Jun mentioned in the New Tang Dynasty TV’s “Elite Forum” program that after Li Keqiang’s death on October 27, 2023, around October 30, Gu Wanming published an open letter requesting not to cremate Li immediately and to establish an investigation team to clarify the cause of death. It was very suspicious that a state-level Premier, under heavy protection, died of a sudden heart attack while swimming. His demand for an explanation surely enraged the top echelons of the CCP, and the impact was considerable.

Li Jun mentioned that there is no accurate information on when Gu Wanming was arrested. It is only known from sources that shortly after he released the open letter, probably around early November 2023, he was detained and sentenced to one year in November 2024. Normally, he should have been released upon completing the one-year term starting from his detention, but if the CCP plays tricks, the situation becomes unpredictable.

Furthermore, a notice from the personnel department of Xinhua News Agency online stated the cancellation of Gu Wanming’s retirement benefits as a former employee of Xinhua News Agency. Before retirement, he served as the president of the Guangdong branch of Xinhua News Agency. The president of a provincial-level branch of Xinhua News Agency should at least hold the rank of a department-level official.

Gu Wanming entered the journalism program at Fudan University in 1978 and joined Xinhua News Agency in 1982. He belongs to the generation that witnessed the era of reform and opening up, particularly since he worked in Guangdong, indicating he was likely a staunch supporter of Deng Xiaoping’s policies and possibly a supporter of Li Keqiang. Therefore, Li Keqiang’s sudden death must have been a significant blow and shock to them. I came across some information online saying he was very interested in the succession from Xi to Li and quite certain about it, suggesting he had expectations.

Seasoned writer and independent commentator Cai Shengkun expressed in the “Elite Forum” that after Li Keqiang’s death, whether within the party or outside, the initial reaction was astonishment and incredulity.

The health care of these CCP leaders has always been well taken care of. It was reported that Li Keqiang suddenly died while swimming once he arrived in Shanghai. Under normal circumstances, even with a sudden heart attack, prompt rescue nearby should prevent major problems. Moreover, Li Keqiang, being a state-level leader, had access to excellent healthcare wherever he went. The place he resided in Shanghai was strictly reserved for party and state leaders. Therefore, there should have been ample resources to save Li Keqiang’s life.

However, despite all precautions, Li Keqiang suddenly passed away in this scenario. Before this incident, if he indeed had heart issues, his healthcare professionals should have advised him against activities like swimming or traveling, yet this situation occurred. Furthermore, during his tenure as Premier in the past decade, he had been rather ineffective and had most of his power stripped by Xi Jinping, whether in economic, financial, or personnel matters.

Therefore, there was a sense of resonance both within and outside the party, feeling incredulous and furious about Li Keqiang’s death at such a moment. Gu Wanming’s case serves as a reminder of the bloody power struggles of this era.

Gu Jun mentioned all political power struggles were terrifying. In the investment community, there is a saying that the greater the returns, the higher the risks; with power come interests, and the more extensive the power, the bigger the risks. The risks for dictators are usually even greater. If power is highly centralized, and the individual authority within the system is sufficient, the dictator may appear relatively tolerant. The more authority diminishes, the more they feel threatened, and internal struggles become more intense.

Gu Jun mentioned the CCP may utilize Gu Wanming’s case to warn internal individuals against questioning the highest leadership, yet in reality, this is unattainable. Reportedly, gatherings in Beijing are filled with criticisms. The political situation within the CCP is highly unstable, with the potential for sudden events. Xi Jinping likely senses this situation, leading to high tension in Beijing. However, the more anxious he gets, the more precarious his position becomes, potentially escalating internal power struggles.

Cai Shengkun in the “Elite Forum” expressed that Xi Jinping, as a dictator, faces risks to his position at any time, depending on how he consolidates his power and authority. Mao Zedong, to strengthen his power and position, continuously purged political opponents through political movements. Currently, Xi Jinping has seized on corruption as a means to eliminate political adversaries.

Based on the information available to me, Xi’s position is practically unshakeable, except by health issues. A sudden serious illness leading to his demise could lead to significant changes in China’s landscape. These changes could be relatively smooth without causing major societal disasters, but there is also the potential for unprecedented catastrophic consequences, which is truly worrisome.

Cai Shengkun stated that on January 6, at the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection’s plenary session, Xi Jinping declared not to retreat even half a step. This attitude signifies his determination in anti-corruption efforts and the challenges he faces within the party’s internal politics, issuing an authoritative tone and warning all political opponents against rash actions. Numerous rumors circulate within and outside the country, and even minor incidents can reach the higher echelons.

Therefore, Xi Jinping is well aware that there are still individuals within the party who hold ill intentions towards him, making his peace of mind scarce. His main challenge lies in the threats to his power. The entire Chinese propaganda machinery, as well as the high-ranking officials within the party and military, are focused on understanding Xi Jinping’s next steps, creating great anticipation.

Xi Jinping currently lacks a successor, hence those surrounding him, including his close associates, are likely engaged in fierce power struggles revolving around his power, setting the stage for what we can expect next. Although his position seems stable for now, an individual’s health is not entirely in their control. I believe someone in their seventies faces such political risks, especially in a dictatorship, at any moment.

Previously, a friend at a senior level informed me of an incident. Xinhua News Agency used to have highly confidential internal reports intended only for senior leaders. However, upon Xi Jinping’s rise, he paid little attention to Xinhua News Agency, leading them to speculate about his intentions. Eventually, they arranged for Xi to visit, and in his feedback, he complained that the reports submitted as internal briefings were all negative, without much optimism about the situation. He dismissed their value, questioning the constant focus on society’s dark sides. Allegedly, Xinhua News Agency was frightened, and the practice of these internal briefings has now been halted.

Xi would not bother with these internal reports, staying ignorant of external affairs, merely wanting to hear praises. In today’s society, in case of a major event, he would likely find himself perplexed about its occurrence.

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