Is Xi Jinping Fighting to Save His Throne? Unpacking China’s Political Chess Game

 

China’s political landscape is a complex web of power plays, secrecy, and high-stakes decisions, and at its center stands President Xi Jinping, a leader who has dominated the nation’s trajectory since 2012. But recent events—military purges, a new decision-making body, and Xi’s unexpected absence from the global stage—suggest he might be working overtime to secure his grip on power. Is Xi orchestrating a master plan to cement his authority, or are the cracks in his leadership beginning to show? Let’s dive into the story of Xi’s bold moves in 2025, breaking it down into a clear, step-by-step strategy that’s keeping China—and the world—on edge.

Step 1: Cleaning House in the Military

Xi Jinping has never shied away from bold moves, and 2025 is no exception. In June, he launched a sweeping purge of top military officials, shaking up the Central Military Commission (CMC), the body that controls China’s massive armed forces. High-profile figures like Admiral Miao Hua, head of the CMC’s Political Work Department, and General He Weidong, a vice-chairman and close Xi ally, were removed for “serious violations of discipline”—a euphemism for corruption. These dismissals have shrunk the CMC to its smallest size in decades, potentially down to just four members.

This isn’t just about rooting out corruption. By targeting even his own allies, Xi is sending a clear message: no one is untouchable, and the military must remain loyal to him and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The PLA is a cornerstone of Xi’s power, and ensuring its allegiance is critical, especially amid whispers of internal dissent. This purge is step one of Xi’s plan to eliminate any potential threats within the ranks, securing his control over China’s war machine.

Step 2: Tightening the Party’s Leash

On June 30, 2025, the CCP’s Politburo announced the creation of a new “Central Committee decision-making and coordination body,” a move designed to streamline Party operations and strengthen centralized leadership, according to state media outlet Xinhua. Think of it as Xi forming a new inner circle to keep the Party’s sprawling bureaucracy in check. This body is tasked with improving decision-making and coordination, likely ensuring that Xi’s vision—particularly for the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan —is executed without resistance.

Why now? The timing suggests Xi is responding to internal challenges. The military purges have exposed tensions, and economic struggles like a sluggish property market and youth unemployment are testing the CCP’s legitimacy. By creating this body, Xi is centralizing power, sidelining potential rivals, and ensuring the Party moves in lockstep with his agenda. It’s a classic Xi move: consolidate control under the guise of efficiency, keeping the CCP’s machinery firmly under his thumb.

Step 3: Skipping the Global Spotlight

In a surprising twist, Xi skipped the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, 2025—his first absence from the event since taking power. Officially, Beijing cited a “scheduling conflict,” but the move raised eyebrows worldwide. Xi’s limited public appearances since June, coupled with this no-show, have fueled speculation about his health or political standing. So why ditch a key global stage?

This is likely a deliberate choice. With China facing economic headwinds and U.S. tariff threats looming, Xi is prioritizing domestic stability over international optics. By staying home, he avoids scrutiny over China’s challenges while focusing on the military and Party shake-ups. It’s a calculated retreat, letting other BRICS leaders take the spotlight while Xi shores up his power base in Beijing. This move keeps the world guessing while he tightens the screws at home.

Step 4: Owning the August Showdown

The upcoming 4th Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee in August 2025 is shaping up to be Xi’s moment of truth. This major CCP meeting, held annually, sets the Party’s direction through policy decisions and leadership changes. Xi is likely using the military purges and the new coordination body to pave the way for a strong showing. He’s expected to push the 15th Five-Year Plan, a critical roadmap for China’s economy, and install loyal leaders in key positions, reinforcing his dominance.

The session will be a litmus test. If Xi secures endorsements for his policies and appointees, it’ll signal he’s still the undisputed boss. But with economic woes and whispers of factional rivals—like allies of former President Hu Jintao gaining influence—the meeting could also expose vulnerabilities. Xi’s plan is to walk into August with the Party and military aligned, ready to project strength and silence doubters.

The High Stakes

Xi’s strategy comes at a critical time. China’s economy is struggling with a property crisis, youth unemployment over 15%, and a national debt exceeding $50 trillion. These challenges threaten the CCP’s promise of prosperity, putting pressure on Xi’s leadership. Meanwhile, the rise of Hu Jintao’s faction, including figures like General Zhang Youxia, hints at internal power struggles. Xi’s purges and new coordination body are his tools to crush these threats, ensuring no one challenges his throne.

Globally, Xi’s moves have big implications. A less cohesive military could affect China’s actions in hotspots like the Taiwan Strait or South China Sea. Limited military dialogue with the U.S. emerges stronger from August, expect a more assertive China. If not, the world could see a shift in Beijing’s power dynamics.

The Big Picture

Xi Jinping’s 2025 game plan is clear: purge the military to ensurea loyalty, create a new team to control the Party, skip global distractions to focus on home, and dominate the August Party meeting to cement his rule. Every move is calculated to keep his chair secure, even as economic woes and rival factions loom large. China’s future—and Xi’s legacy—hangs in the balance.