In the latter months of 2024, China found itself engulfed in a fresh wave of purges under the leadership of Xi Jinping. The Defense Ministry announced the suspension of Admiral Miao Hua, the fourth-ranking military leader below Xi, who was responsible for overseeing the political and organizational work of the People’s Liberation Army. This move marked the third time that Xi had purged a PLA general in charge of political and organizational work, as well as the removal of two former PLA generals from the National People’s Congress. While rumors of further purges swirled, particularly regarding high-ranking PLA officers, confirming these reports remained challenging.
Expanding beyond the military, purges of civilians were also on the rise. Over the first three quarters of 2024, at least 58 high-ranking cadres lost their positions, with a staggering 642,000 cadres at various levels facing punishment. Even within the 20th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), 9.3% of its members had been affected by purges within just over two years since its reconstitution. These actions begged the question: why was Xi continuing to purge individuals he himself had chosen to lead the country?
The Beginning of Xi Jinping’s third term in 2022 was seen as a milestone in his consolidation of power, with loyalists placed in key positions. Yet, the purges persisted. To understand the motivations behind Xi’s governance tactics, it is enlightening to examine how his methods mirror those of his communist predecessors, particularly in the realm of purges. Viewing Xi’s actions through the lens of what could be termed “Stalin Logic” provides insight into the predictability of his decisions and sheds light on the state of China’s politics and governance.
### Continuous Purges: A Stark Reality
The unrelenting political storms during Xi’s third term led to the fall from power of several high-ranking leaders, including Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Defense Minister Li Shangfu. The removal of nine deputies to the National People’s Congress, all former PLA generals, and the revocation of memberships of officials from the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference further underscored the extent of the purges. Notably, many of those purged were once considered Xi’s protégés, having been promoted to significant positions under his watch.
### The Stalin-Xi Logic: Unraveling the Paradox
The roots of Xi’s purges and consolidation of power can be traced back to the practices of communist forebears like Stalin and Mao. The cyclic nature of governance failures leading to purges, and the subsequent consolidation of power through fear and control, paints a stark portrait of the “Stalin Logic” at play. The ultra-concentration of power, coupled with bad governance, sets the stage for continuous purges as a means of maintaining control and addressing policy crises.
### The Vulnerability of Power
Xi’s mode of wielding political power, rooted in the ultra-concentration of authority and the creation of a cult of personality, reveals a deep-seated vulnerability within the regime. The paradoxes inherent in Xi’s governance, from economic struggles to escalating social control, underscore the fragility of his power and the potential for internal discontent to grow. While Xi’s regime may not face an immediate threat, the long-term implications of his governance tactics suggest a looming vulnerability.
In essence, Xi Jinping’s unyielding purges, reminiscent of Stalin’s tactics, shed light on the intricacies of power dynamics within the CCP. As China navigates this era of political upheaval and governance challenges, the echoes of history serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between power consolidation and vulnerability within autocratic regimes.
