Rumors of Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping possibly being on the brink of being ousted from power are circulating overseas. Discussions about this have even surfaced in mainland China’s Douyin live streams. A broadcaster predicted that Xi Jinping would soon step down and hinted that Hu Chunhua would take over, leading to the shutdown of the live stream room.
On May 22, a user named “Global Breaking News” on an overseas platform posted that a mainland Douyin broadcaster had predicted in a live stream that Xi Jinping would be “out in less than five years” and discussed who would be the next in line, suggesting Hu Chunhua. The live stream was subsequently shut down.
The broadcaster claimed that based on information they received, the next leader would be the “son-in-law of the former BOSS”, with comments speculating it could be “Hu Chunhua”, “hopefully Hu Haifeng”, or “General Xia”. The broadcaster emphasized that the successor is “the son-in-law of a former BOSS surnamed Hu, the godson”, making it clear that it couldn’t be more obvious, prompting viewers to guess.
Hu Chunhua is a representative figure of the Communist Youth League faction, once considered the designated successor of former CCP leader Hu Jintao, but was excluded from the CCP Political Bureau by Xi Jinping at the 19th Party Congress.
At the conclusion of the 20th Party Congress, Xi Jinping personally ordered the removal of Hu Jintao, the former highest leader of the CCP government, who is now 80 years old, from the venue in front of international mainstream media cameras.
Hu Haifeng is the son of Hu Jintao and currently serves as the Deputy Minister of Civil Affairs. The mention of “General Xia” in the comments likely refers to General Zhang Youxia, the Vice Chairman of the CCP Central Military Commission, who is believed to have taken control of the military after the recent disappearance of Vice Chairman He Waidong.
Regarding the Douyin broadcaster’s mention of Xi stepping down leading to the shutdown of the live stream, Chinese affairs expert Wang He told Epoch Times that the current political situation in the CCP is very strange, with the authorities not wanting anyone to openly discuss political matters on social media. Many issues need to be kept under wraps and dealt with internally until the situation becomes completely clear before the public is informed.
While the aforementioned mainland broadcaster predicted Xi’s resignation within five years, rumors about Xi stepping down have recently been circulating within China, focusing mainly on this year’s fourth plenary session, suggesting Xi may abdicate during this meeting.
On May 23, independent commentator Cai Shunkun claimed on an online platform that there have been widespread rumors overseas that an unprecedented expanded meeting of the CCP Central Politburo was held on May 14, attended not only by Politburo members but also by elders, retired military heads, former members of the CCP Central Committee, and senior cadres. It was said that Deputy Chairman of the Military Commission, General Zhang Youxia, delivered a 30-minute report during the meeting, stating that all the top generals and lieutenant generals personally appointed by Xi Jinping had been arrested and that Xi Jinping cannot stay in power, and now the focus is on how to save face. The meeting had one central point: Xi Jinping must step down, whether partially or entirely.
The leaks also mentioned that a preliminary consensus was reached at the meeting, and this year’s fourth plenary session will be transformed into a personnel meeting. The new list of Central Committee members for the next term was confirmed, with the Youth League faction accounting for one-third. Discussions were held regarding the restructuring of the seven Standing Committee members and the division of Xi’s powers.
On May 20, former Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy Colonel Yao Cheng revealed on an online platform that he learned from friends that the CCP Central Committee held a meeting in Beijing on May 14, attended by Politburo members, elders, and numerous senior cadres to discuss whether Xi Jinping should retire partially or entirely. The meeting did not reach a consensus, and a vote is needed at the fourth plenary session.
(Source is the Epoch Times)