The BRICS summit is set to begin tomorrow, Sunday, July 6, bringing together five of the world’s fastest-growing economie—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—on one global stage. However, a key leader will be missing this year: Chinese President Xi Jinping. His absence is particularly noteworthy, as he has attended every BRICS summit since coming to power.
But this time, China is sending Vice Premier He Lifeng and Premier Li Qiang in his place this time. And the matter doesn’t end there. According to media reports, Xi Jinping has not been seen in public for several weeks—no statements, no photos, no events. Even China’s state-run newspaper People’s Daily, which used to mention him daily, hasn’t featured his name recently. Xi’s absence is raising questions: Is his hold on power truly under threat?
Coup in the Making or Just an Illness?
Some reports claim that Xi Jinping is battling a serious illness, which is why he’s avoiding public appearances. On the other hand, several international media reports suggest that internal dissent within the Communist Party is growing, and Xi is being deliberately sidelined. Adding to this, meetings with foreign leaders at Beijing’s Great Hall are now being handled by other officials, with Xi nowhere in sight.
Discontent in PLA—Is the Real Power Now in Military Hands?
A major development occurred on July 4, when the Chinese government suddenly dismissed three top military officials. These included renowned nuclear scientist Liu Shiping, Navy Chief Li Hanjun, and General Miao Hua. The official reason cited was corruption, but experts believe this move is an attempt to suppress internal unrest.
According to a CNN-News18 report, the real power now rests in the hands of General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of China’s military, who is reportedly loyal to the faction of Hu Jintao, the former president who was escorted out in public during the 2022 Party Congress.
Is Xi Losing His Grip on Power?
Xi Jinping, who once considered the PLA (People's Liberation Army) as his power base, now seems to be facing challenges from within it. At the same time, it seems that "Xi Jinping Thought" is losing ground within the Communist Party. Officials who were previously sidelined are gradually returning. For instance, the re-emergence of technocrat Wang and the fading of Xi’s image in state media suggest that a shift is underway.
