The persecution has led to a backlash, resulting in a loss of power, and those in high positions are merely playing supporting roles. (Illustration by People News)
[People News] On October 15, the day after Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a rare video speech at the opening ceremony of the new China-North Korea Yalu River Bridge, Xi Jinping visited Ulanqab City in Inner Mongolia to inspect green development initiatives.
During his inspection, Xi did not say anything particularly significant. Amid the internal and external challenges facing the Communist Party, he avoided discussing economic and trade matters, foreign affairs, or people's livelihoods, instead focusing on ecological development. This raises the question: compared to the busy Li Qiang, how much power does Xi, as the party leader, still wield?
Nonetheless, there are noteworthy aspects regarding Xi's inspection in Inner Mongolia. Official media unusually published two photos of Xi with his hands in his pockets, both taken while he was walking in the Huangqihai Nature Reserve in the Right Wing of Chahar. This is quite atypical.
The unusual nature of this is rooted in the fact that past news reports have adhered to strict guidelines to uphold Xi's 'grand' image. There are specific requirements regarding how his expressions, gestures, and walking posture should be captured. Furthermore, the final decision on which photos to publish is made by senior officials.
One key requirement is to 'maintain the absolute positive image of the highest leadership.' This means that the images captured and published must showcase the leader's best and most authoritative side, with strict prohibitions against any images that depict loss of composure, fatigue, drowsiness, unusual expressions, or inappropriate postures.
The posture of having ‘hands in pockets’ is clearly considered ungraceful. Typically, this stance conveys several impressions: it can indicate a self-defensive mentality, suggest a sense of relaxation and ease, or imply a desire to maintain distance from others. Xi Jinping’s choice to keep his hands in his pockets may reflect a relaxed demeanour or simply a need for warmth.
Five outdoor photographs reveal that Xi not only wore warm clothing with his hands in his pockets but also surprisingly wrapped a scarf tightly around his neck.
On October 16, the highest daytime temperature in Ulanqab was around 13°C to 15°C. Even if it was slightly cooler in the nature reserve, it shouldn't have necessitated wrapping the neck so snugly as one would in late autumn or winter. None of the officials accompanying Xi during the inspection was dressed in the same manner.
In somewhat chilly outdoor conditions, protecting the neck and hands is crucial for someone who has previously suffered a stroke, as low temperatures can lead to blood vessel constriction and elevated blood pressure, significantly increasing the risk of stroke recurrence or acute episodes. Medical advice typically emphasises the importance of protecting the head and neck, as well as the limbs and extremities, to prevent severe constriction of blood vessels in these areas due to cold exposure.
Although the Chinese Communist Party has never publicly acknowledged it and has consistently attempted to cover it up, reports of Xi Jinping having a stroke surfaced during the 20th Central Committee's third plenary session in July 2024. Since then, his health has reportedly been declining, with rumours suggesting he may have experienced another mild stroke. Recently, videos showing Xi using Peng Liyuan as a ‘crutch’ while descending the airplane stairs have provided the public with a more direct impression of his physical condition.
Consequently, Xi Jinping's recent visit to Inner Mongolia appears to be a precautionary measure to prevent another stroke. The pressing question is why the top leadership of the Communist Party of China permitted state media to publish a photo of Xi with his hands in his pockets, which could be seen as 'damaging' to his image. To my knowledge, there have been no such images released by official media in recent years.
Therefore, the release of this particular photo should not be regarded as a mere coincidence, as it has undergone approval from higher authorities. A plausible explanation is that ahead of the Fifth Plenary Session, with Li Qiang prominently taking over more of Xi's domestic and foreign responsibilities, the Communist Party needed to prepare the ground for Xi potentially stepping down from a certain role during the session, with 'health reasons' being the most plausible justification. The dissemination of a photo suggesting that Xi 'is afraid of the cold' likely serves as a subtle hint to the outside world, inviting speculation.
As public sentiment is gradually shaped, the Communist Party hopes for a smooth power transition during the Fifth Plenary Session. However, human plans often fall short of divine plans; the Communist Party's efforts to replace personnel in order to safeguard the party will ultimately not alter its inevitable downfall.
(First published by the People News) △
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