Zhongnanhai New Year Reception Resembles a Funeral; Did Hu Chunhua “Refuse to Look” at the Supreme Leader

Hu Chunhua and Wang Yang

[People News] The year 2026 is the lunar “Red Horse Year.” In the eyes of folk prophecy and political observers, it is destined to be a turbulent one. On the eve of Lunar New Year’s Eve, the Chinese Communist Party held its 2026 New Year reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. However, what should have been a festive gathering was instead marked by an extremely oppressive atmosphere. Xi Jinping stood on stage with a weary face, attempting to paper over reality, while officials below wore gloomy expressions. There was no sense of celebration; the reception was mocked as a “funeral gathering.”

Let us look at the central figures of this event. On the morning of February 14, Xi Jinping entered the venue accompanied by all members of the Politburo Standing Committee. Although state media tried to create a harmonious atmosphere, the footage showed Xi’s face swollen, stiff, and fatigued, and his gait still unsteady and swaying.

Even more noteworthy was the content of Xi’s speech. Compared with previous years, his tone was clearly lowered, lacking confidence. He no longer mentioned grand slogans such as “global governance” or “providing direction,” and even the “Belt and Road Initiative” and work related to Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan were conspicuously absent. Instead, he spoke of “seeking progress while maintaining stability,” language that signaled retrenchment.

As is well known, after the downfall of Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, the People’s Liberation Army has remained in great turmoil. Moreover, China’s economy continues its severe decline in 2026, directly affecting the CCP’s governing legitimacy. Xi’s lowered posture in his speech reflects the anxiety of clinging to power after experiencing intense internal upheaval.

If the speech on stage was a façade, then the expressions of officials off stage were a genuine political portrait. Footage showed many senior officials looking at one another blankly, expressionless or even worried, casting a cloud of gloom over the entire event.

Li Qiang appeared dazed. Zhao Leji, who had just resisted Xi at the National People’s Congress by not canceling Zhang and Liu’s delegate status, pretended to remain calm. Wang Huning looked deliberately profound; Cai Qi’s stern expression was fully on display. Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi appeared cautious. Vice President Han Zheng seemed at a loss. Former Vice Premier Liu He looked troubled, seemingly helpless as the country appeared to be “ruined.”

The most eye-catching figure was former “crown prince” Hu Chunhua. Throughout the event, he kept his head lowered, appearing dejected. Hu was certainly not looking at his phone, yet while everyone else kept their eyes fixed on Xi, Hu did not look up, adopting what seemed to be a posture of “refusing to look,” almost a gesture of disdain toward the supreme leader. However, his political prospects had already plummeted after Xi’s political reshuffle, and perhaps he no longer felt the need to pretend.

Also drawing attention was Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong, who had reportedly just been removed from office. Once considered Xi’s loyal confidant, Wang no longer appeared spirited before the cameras; instead, he showed visible resentment and sorrow.

Rumors abound that Xi intends to promote Peng Liyuan’s favored official—current Hubei Party Secretary Wang Zhonglin—to replace Wang Xiaohong. Wang Zhonglin became notorious during the Wuhan COVID outbreak for urging the public to “express gratitude to the General Secretary,” yet his “absolute loyalty” propelled his career upward.

Under such tense circumstances, Xi held the New Year reception amid heavy security. Numerous black-clad bodyguards were stationed throughout the venue, reportedly outnumbering the servers, with sentries positioned every few steps.

Across the strait, Republic of China President Lai Ching-te also attended a New Year reception on February 15 hosted by the Veterans Affairs Council. Netizens compared the two events: one simple and warm, the other extravagant and intimidating. Let us look at the scene and listen to President Lai’s remarks.

Lai said: “Safeguarding the nation is everyone’s responsibility. Safeguarding Taiwan and defending the Republic of China—these are what I wish to share with you. Finally, I again wish everyone that in the new year, whatever you do will go smoothly and well.”

Some netizens remarked that Taiwan’s president speaks as though chatting casually, creating a harmonious and natural atmosphere, while Xi reads from a script filled with official jargon and empty rhetoric.

Others commented that one thing is certain: President Lai and the elected officials around him likely sleep more soundly at night than Chairman Xi and the eunuch-like subordinates around him. As dictators approach the end, paranoia intensifies; when madness sets in, even trusted aides may be purged.

The CCP’s 2026 New Year reception brought no festive joy to China. Instead, it displayed to the outside world a dictatorship gripped by fear and division. In essence, the stark contrast between the two receptions across the strait comes down to this: one speaks in human terms about humanity, while the other speaks in party terms and falsehoods.

(First published by People News)
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