Xi Jinping’s Gamble Becomes Precarious—but Where Is the West?
Commentary
Every day, as 2022 progresses, some indicators defy the narrative of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). These contra-indicators show that a tumultuous and delicately-balanced internal war is still underway to preserve the career of CCP leader Xi Jinping in the run-up to the critical 20th Party Congress in October.
Xi has thrown everything—including the fate and welfare of the Chinese population and the strategic posture of China—into ensuring that he is reelected as General Secretary of the Party. If he is not, then he will be fighting for his life.
Significantly, the U.S. White House, preoccupied with fighting Russia through Ukraine, has essentially given Beijing a pass. President Joe Biden has not used this period of chaos and economic decline in China to add pressure on Xi….