Has a coup occurred in China? A bewildered world fumbles in the dark for answers as rumors circulate on social media platforms. There is not enough evidence to say a coup has taken place. At the same time, no international mainstream media outlet has been able to conclusively refute the reports.
Rumors broke out at a time when President Xi Jinping appeared to be at the height of his power. Xi is expected to gather even greater power at the Chinese Communist Party’s major conference, which will take place in mid-October.
China’s CPC Congress is only a few weeks away
For weeks, speculation in China has suggested the possibility of Xi being sworn in as chairman of the People’s Republic, a position held only by Mao Zedong. Then came the rumors of a coup. As per the grapevine, Xi has been ousted, held under house arrest and a prominent leader of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has taken over.
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But nothing is confirmed. The official and regular flow of news from China seemed normal. On Sunday, China’s official Xinhua news agency reported that all delegates to the upcoming 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) had been elected.
“Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era, the delegates were selected in accordance with the Party Constitution, the requirements of the CPC Central Committee, adopting the methods required by the CPC Central Committee, the statement said. the report says.
Does a Coup Make sense?
Until recently, a coup in China was the least likely. In March 2018, China approved constitutional changes that would effectively allow Xi to remain in power for life. In a landmark move, the National People’s Congress approved a resolution seeking to remove the two-term limit to the presidency, which has been in effect since the 1990s. While 2,964 delegates to the annual Congress supported the move, only two voted against it, showing just how invasive and complete Xi’s popularity has become.
Xi then gathered more strength and gained a brighter halo around him, so much so that he was on the cusp of being elevated to Chairman Mao status.
China has also recently adopted what it calls the Xi School of thought, which bestows on the president the kind of praise received by Mao Zedong, the republic’s founder. ‘Xi Jinping Thoughts on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era’ will be taught in schools and universities across the country.
Is it possible to fall from such a height? No one knows for sure whether the current round of rumors is the creation of an anti-Xi force that is spreading across the world. There was speculation in May this year about the possibility of Xi stepping down.
According to the Washington Times, the rumors were traced to a Chinese-language YouTube video created by a Canadian-based blogger. The bloggers, who call themselves ‘Lao Deng’ said the president could step down after the Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai and other major cities backfired.
Although the video went viral, Chinese censors suppressed it.
The Times further reported: “The blogger, citing what he said was a senior Chinese Communist Party (CCP) security source, said a “coup” was launched against Xi at a meeting of senior party leaders in Beijing. According to the blog, Mr Xi was forced to step aside. but will remain in place until the big party meeting later this year.”
Absolute power often attracts absolute backlash. The current cycle of rumors began when Xi was in Samarkhand, attending the Shanghai Cooperation Summit along with other world leaders. While it’s hard to believe, it’s also worth noting that it comes just weeks before the crucial CPC meeting, which is expected to give Xi more power.
If the speculation is correct, Xi will be unstoppable if he is sworn in as Chairman. So if the power against the absolute power of one person unites, this is the time for it. If Chinese dissidents have to act, it must be now.
