Xi Jinping’s Next Move: Retirement or Power Play?

Xi Jinping’s Next Move: Retirement or Power Play?

China’s President Xi Jinping is at the center of global attention as people wonder what he’ll do next. Is he planning to retire, or is he making moves to hold onto power? As an Indian journalist, I’ve looked into the latest news to bring you a clear picture of what’s happening in China and why it matters for India and the world. This story is based on recent events and discussions, including posts on X and trusted news sources, but some rumors remain unconfirmed.

Why Xi’s Absence Is Raising Eyebrows

Xi Jinping recently skipped the 2025 BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, which surprised many. He’s known for being a strong, visible leader, so sending Vice President Han Zheng instead was a big deal. On platforms like X, people are talking about whether Xi is sick, stepping back, or facing political trouble. Some posts even claim he’s agreed to retire, though these are just rumors without solid proof. At the same time, China’s Communist Party (CCP) announced a new group within its Central Committee to help make decisions, which is unusual for Xi, who has spent years centralizing power.

Is Xi Losing Control or Planning Something Big?

Xi has a history of removing people who might challenge him, often through anti-corruption campaigns. Recently, he sacked top military officials, including Admiral Miao Hua, who was a close ally in the Central Military Commission. This could mean Xi is getting rid of threats or that his grip on the military is slipping. Some think he’s weakening because of these moves, especially as China faces economic problems like a struggling property market, falling exports, and high youth unemployment.

But there’s another possibility: Xi might be stepping back on purpose. By staying out of the spotlight and letting this new decision-making group take shape, he could be testing who’s loyal or setting up a way to keep influence even if he retires. In Chinese politics, leaders like Deng Xiaoping stayed powerful after stepping down, so Xi might be aiming for something similar. The catch? He hasn’t named a clear successor, which makes things tricky.

How China's Xi Jinping flipped the script on the world
image source: ABC news

What This Means for India and the World

Xi’s next steps matter a lot for India. China’s economic troubles could affect trade with India, especially in tech and manufacturing. Tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the India-China border are still a concern, and a weaker Xi might either calm things down to focus on China’s problems or act tougher to look strong at home. Either way, it’s a situation India needs to watch closely.

Globally, if Xi steps back and China moves toward shared leadership, it could ease tensions in places like the Indo-Pacific, which would benefit India’s partnerships with countries in the Quad (US, Japan, Australia). But if Xi doubles down on power, China might become more aggressive, creating challenges for regional stability and India’s role in groups like BRICS.

Why Indians Should Care

For Indian readers, China’s political future affects everything from trade to security. A stable Xi might mean predictable relations with China, but a power struggle could lead to surprises, impacting border talks or India’s global influence. Indian businesses need to prepare for possible disruptions in supply chains if China’s leadership faces chaos.

Xi Jinping: the making of a dictator
Image source: The Economist

So, What’s Xi Up To?

Is Xi Jinping retiring, or is he making a bold move to stay in control? It’s likely a mix of both. He might be dealing with health issues or political pressure, using his absence to see who’s loyal and prepare for a possible exit. Or he could be removing rivals to strengthen his position. Whatever happens, Xi’s choices will have a big impact beyond China.

India needs to stay alert and ready to respond. Keep following this story for updates on what Xi’s next move means for us.

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