Xi Jinping Humiliation: Central Committee Scandal & Accident
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Xi Jinping’s Record Promotions at 19th Central Committee Plenary Spark Concerns of “Self-Inflicted Pit”
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Analysis suggests a surge in promotions of allies at the recent Fourth Plenary Session of the 19th central Committee may signal internal strife and a weakening of Xi Jinping’s position.
The Fourth Plenary Session and the Surge in Promotions
The communist Party of China convened its Fourth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee at the end of October 2025. While officially focused on the “Fifteenth Five-Year Plan,” analysts believe the meeting’s true importance lies in the underlying power dynamics within the CCP.
Autonomous commentator Du Zheng highlights a concerning trend: a substantial increase in the number of Central Committee members promoted by Xi Jinping as the 20th National Congress of the CCP. Rough estimates indicate at least 46 alternate members of the Central Committee have been promoted under Xi’s leadership. This figure surpasses the number of Central committee members and alternate members investigated for corruption during Xi’s earlier anti-corruption campaign following the 18th National Congress (43 individuals).
“Great Shame and Humiliation”: A Self-Inflicted Wound?
Some analysts characterize this surge in promotions as a “great shame and humiliation” for Xi jinping, suggesting he is “digging a hole for himself.” The sheer volume of appointments raises questions about the merit of these selections and possibly fuels resentment among other party officials. This could indicate a reliance on personal loyalty over competence,potentially weakening the CCP’s overall effectiveness.
The comparison too the anti-corruption campaign is especially striking. While the earlier campaign aimed to remove perceived enemies and consolidate power, the current wave of promotions appears to be focused on rewarding allies, potentially creating a network of individuals beholden to Xi Jinping rather than to the party as a whole.
Context: The Power Struggle Within the CCP
The CCP has long been characterized by internal power struggles. Xi Jinping’s consolidation of power has intensified these tensions, as various factions vie for influence. The recent promotions can be seen as a move to solidify Xi’s control, but also as a potential indicator of the challenges he faces in maintaining that control.
Du Zheng argues that the official focus on the “Fifteenth Five-Year Plan” is merely a formality, masking the real agenda of the plenary session: a struggle for power. The promotions are likely a strategic maneuver in this ongoing battle, aimed at bolstering Xi’s position and neutralizing potential rivals.
Historical Precedent and Potential implications
Historically, similar patterns of excessive patronage and the concentration of power in the hands of a single leader have often led to instability within the CCP.The Cultural Revolution under Mao Zedong serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the consequences of prioritizing loyalty over competence.
The current situation, while not directly comparable to the Cultural Revolution, shares some concerning similarities. The potential for factionalism, the erosion of meritocracy, and the risk of miscalculations all pose challenges to the CCP’s long-term stability.