2025 is the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac, and it is also Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping’s “ben ming year,” which is traditionally considered an unlucky year. Xi Jinping was born in the Year of the Snake, which according to Chinese astrology, means he is “offending Tai Sui,” signifying a year of adversity. There are speculations linking Xi’s actions to those of Mao Zedong, the first generation leader of the CCP, as both leaders were born in the Year of the Snake. There is a folk prediction that the CCP regime will “begin and end with a snake.” Around the Chinese New Year, various prophecies about the downfall of the CCP have once again attracted attention.
According to public records, Mao Zedong was born on December 26, 1893, making him a Snake in the Chinese zodiac. Xi Jinping, on the other hand, was born on June 15, 1953, as a Water Snake. Mao was born a full generation ahead of Xi.
Apart from Mao and Xi, previous CCP leaders were born under different zodiac signs; Deng Xiaoping was born in the Year of the Dragon in 1904, Jiang Zemin in the Year of the Tiger in 1926, and Hu Jintao in the Year of the Horse in 1942.
While it is common for people to share the same zodiac sign, the coincidence of both Xi Jinping and Mao Zedong being born in the Year of the Snake is particularly intriguing. Since assuming office, Xi Jinping has often been associated with Mao Zedong due to his authoritarian political actions.
In modern society, snakes are often seen as symbols of deceit and malevolence. However, in ancient Chinese culture, snakes symbolize wisdom and change. Due to the hibernation and shedding of their skin, years of the Snake are often referred to as years of transformation.
According to a report by Xinhua News Agency, on January 27, Xi Jinping stated during a Lunar New Year gathering that he aims to “open up a new world of reform and development with the vigor of a snake slithering a thousand miles.”
As this year marks Xi Jinping’s “ben ming year,” and his governance has increasingly lost public support, especially due to his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and aggressive foreign policy and technological espionage, along with a sluggish economy, the phrase “snake slithering a thousand miles” has been interpreted as an ominous sign.
Political commentator Qin Peng suggested that since snakes are crawling animals and do not travel long distances, the use of the expression “snake slithering a thousand miles” may stem from a desire for luck, considering it’s Xi Jinping’s ben ming year. He is trying to push for a positive outcome with this phrase.
Commentator Zhong Yuan pointed out that multiple predictions foresee a turbulent year ahead for the CCP in the Year of the Snake. Snakes typically lurk in grass and trees, rarely showing themselves openly, which signifies that the CCP may have to lie low internally and externally in 2025, unable to take direct actions and only able to progress subtly.
Independent TV producer Li Jun stated in a forum that Xi Jinping is facing his ben ming year, believed to be a year of ill omen in traditional culture. In Daoist beliefs, the Tai Sui is regarded as an omen for rulers, controlling the fortunes and timing of the world. A prophecy suggests that the CCP regime will “begin and end with a snake”, aligning with Mao Zedong and Xi Jinping both being Snakes.
During the Tang Dynasty, a famous monk named Huangbo Zen Master left behind a prophecy poem predicting historical events for centuries, including mentioning the events that during the Snake Year, the golden snake era will come to an end.
Moreover, a popular saying goes, “Without Jiang, Hu, and Xi, the country will start anew,” implying that after Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao, and Xi Jinping, there will be no successor within the CCP, and a fresh start will ensue.
Some prophecies even hint at the end of the Chinese Communist Party following Xi Jinping, with a brief transitional period anticipated.
Renowned British psychic Craig Hamilton-Parker, who accurately predicted Trump’s presidency and Brexit, foresees major upheavals in China in 2025, including a civil war outbreak and Xi Jinping stepping down, leading to the end of the CCP.
Experts predict that the economic turmoil in China will lead to social unrest, citizens resisting the CCP, demanding Xi Jinping’s resignation, and the rise of a new leader who will eliminate communist elements.
Christian pastor and contemporary prophet Chris Reed believes that Xi Jinping is not a permanent ruler of China and will be replaced in a surprising manner at an unexpected time. However, he predicts that Xi’s successor will face opposition from the people and eventually be overthrown.
The CCP’s 20th Party Congress, initially planned for the autumn of 2024, has been delayed, posing further uncertainties as the country enters 2025 with deepening economic challenges.
A former Chinese naval commander, Yao Cheng, predicts that by the time of the delayed Party Congress, Xi Jinping’s position will be significantly weakened, possibly leading to his resignation from key positions, with a nominal presidency retained. Political factions within the CCP are escalating their power struggles as the new leadership lineup nears finalization.
Historically, snake years have often signified significant shifts in society: in 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor led to World War II; the Korean War ceasefire in 1953 marked the beginning of the Cold War; the Cultural Revolution started in 1965 and ended in 1977, and the Tiananmen Square protests occurred in 1989. The year 2025, which is a Wood Snake year according to the Bagua symbolism, hints at transformation and fire, suggesting significant developments in China and within the CCP.
In conclusion, various prophecies, cultural beliefs, and expert analyses point towards a turbulent and transformative year ahead for China and its ruling party in 2025. Whether these predictions will come true remains to be seen, but they reflect the complex and uncertain political landscape shaping the country’s future.