Premier Li Keqiang. Credit: Chatham House via Flickr
April’s dismal economic data from China has led many pundits to question whether the combination of crackdowns on the technology and real estate sectors, along with Beijing’s insistence on its zero-Covid stance, is really serving the country well. Some have even speculated that criticism of Xi Jinping and his policies is growing within the upper echelons of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Given the high degree of power consolidation that Xi has carried out in recent years, outright opposition to his continuing rule is very unlikely. However, other senior leaders, especially Premier Li Keqiang, have demonstrated an alternative style of leadership, less ambitious in nature but more consistent in seeking to create a better business environment in China. If history is any guide, Xi could come to see this alternative style as a threat to his power and seek to eliminate it, creating even greater uncertainty in Chinese policy making.
Xi has done much to ensure his position
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