Japanese Media: Beijing Fears Xi Jinping Will Be Reprimanded During US Visit, Plans to Send Li Qiang Instead

Rumours suggest Wen Jiabao, Hu Jintao, and Hu Deping (from left to right) are in charge of China. (Image by People News)

[People News] Japanese media outlet Kyodo News reported on the 29th that informed sources indicated that Beijing is planning to invite US President Trump to attend a military parade scheduled for September 3 this year at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. The report also disclosed that Beijing is concerned about the potential for a confrontation similar to the heated argument that occurred between Ukrainian President Zelensky and Trump at the White House in February, which could lead to disapproval of Xi Jinping's visit to the US and result in Premier Li Qiang taking his place.

Sources noted that with the United Nations General Assembly taking place in New York, Trump has invited Xi Jinping to visit the US in September. These sources also conveyed to Kyodo News that the Beijing authorities have expressed worries regarding Xi Jinping's visit to the US. In February, during Trump's meeting with Zelensky at the White House, the two had a contentious exchange, with Trump publicly chastising Zelensky for 'not appreciating the support from the US,' leading to an unsatisfactory conclusion. Beijing is apprehensive that a similar situation could occur again, prompting considerations for Li Qiang to attend the United Nations General Assembly instead.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that during a phone call on June 5 between Trump and Xi, Xi Jinping extended an invitation for a visit to China, which Trump has officially accepted. However, sources have revealed that while Trump is personally interested in visiting China, senior officials in the US Cabinet, including hawkish Secretary of State Marco Rubio, may oppose Trump's participation in the military parade.

However, during a routine press conference held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Communist Party of China on June 30, a reporter sought confirmation regarding a report from Kyodo News that China plans to invite Trump to a military parade in Beijing this September. In response, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that there is currently no information available on this specific matter.

The political upheaval in Zhongnanhai has already caught the attention of high-ranking officials in the United States. On June 27, Eastern Time, former U.S. Lieutenant General Michael Flynn posted on the X platform, indicating that a power shift is underway within the Communist Party of China and urging American observers of China to closely monitor its core members. General Flynn even included images of Ding Xuexiang, Chen Jining, and Zhang Youxia, seemingly suggesting that these three are central figures in the new leadership team of the Communist Party.

Recently, former U.S. diplomat Gregory W. Slayton also published an analysis speculating that Xi Jinping is likely to step down during the Fourth Plenary Session in August this year or may only hold a symbolic role.

External analyses suggest that the real reason Xi Jinping may not attend the United Nations General Assembly in September could be linked to his loss of power. Reports indicate that Xi Jinping's activities are currently limited, and his influence is constrained, as he is merely playing a role in a performance, while the actual control of the political situation in Zhongnanhai rests with veterans like Wen Jiabao and the current Vice Chairman of the Military Commission, Zhang Youxia.