Chinese President Xi Jinping’s absence from public view between May 21 and June 5, 2025, has ignited widespread speculation about internal political maneuvering within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This rare break from Xi’s near-constant presence in state media, diplomatic engagements, and official events marks a significant departure from his tightly controlled public image since assuming power in 2012.
The timing of his absence, coinciding with military purges and economic challenges, has fueled theories of a quiet but significant recalibration of power in Beijing.
Unprecedented Media Silence
Xi’s absence was particularly striking in the CCP’s propaganda outlets, People’s Daily and Xinhua, which omitted him from their front pages between June 2 and June 5—a rare occurrence given his consistent daily coverage since 2017.
During this period, high-profile diplomatic meetings with foreign delegations were led by Premier Li Qiang and Vice Premier He Lifeng, a move that analysts interpret as a deliberate shift in the presentation of state leadership. This unusual delegation of duties to second-tier officials has raised questions about whether Xi’s absence was planned or indicative of deeper internal issues.
Military Purges Signal Instability
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has undergone significant upheaval, with a wave of purges targeting high-ranking officials. Since early 2023, key figures such as General He Weidong, Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission, General Miao Hua, Chief of Political Work, and General Lin Xiangyang, Commander of the Eastern Theater Command, have been removed from their posts.
The PLA’s Rocket Force and Western Theater Command have also seen major leadership reshuffles, pointing to systemic unease within China’s military hierarchy. These purges, described by some as part of Xi’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, may also reflect efforts to neutralize potential rivals or factions within the PLA.
Economic Woes Add Pressure
China’s economy, already grappling with challenges, has faced mounting difficulties in 2025. Youth unemployment stands at 15%, the real estate sector remains stagnant, and failures in semiconductor funding programs have compounded economic woes.
Foreign direct investment has plummeted to its lowest level in 30 years, a trend attributed to Xi’s aggressive regulatory policies and “wolf-warrior” diplomacy. These economic setbacks have intensified scrutiny of Xi’s centralized leadership style, with some analysts suggesting that his absence may reflect a strategic retreat to address internal dissent or recalibrate economic policies.
Symbolic Omissions and Factional Tensions
The absence of Xi’s name from key symbolic events has further fueled speculation. On June 6, a constitutional loyalty ceremony organized by the State Council, attended by over 50 ministers and top department heads, proceeded without Xi’s presence—a notable omission for an event typically presided over by the paramount leader.
Additionally, the inauguration of the Guanzhong Revolutionary Memorial Hall in Shaanxi Province conspicuously omitted mention of Xi’s father, Xi Zhongxun, a communist revolutionary, breaking with precedent and prompting whispers of deliberate marginalization.
Meanwhile, the re-emergence of figures like Hu Chunhua, a former Politburo member aligned with the Communist Youth League faction, and references to Hu Jintao-era governance principles in state media suggest that rival factions may be gaining ground.
Xi Jinping Thought: A Symbolic Presence
Despite Xi’s physical absence, his ideological influence remained prominent. At international forums during this period, delegates recited “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era,” reinforcing his ideological grip even as his public visibility waned.
This duality—Xi’s absence from the spotlight but continued invocation of his ideology—has led some analysts to argue that his retreat was a calculated move to manage internal challenges while maintaining his cult of personality.
Others, however, see it as a sign of eroding operational control, with figures like General Zhang Youxia, First Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, reportedly wielding greater influence.
Speculation of a Power Shift
Analysts are divided on the implications of Xi’s absence. Some view it as a strategic pause, allowing Xi to recalibrate the CCP’s power structure amid economic and military challenges. Others argue it signals internal resistance to his unprecedented consolidation of power, which has seen him secure a third term as CCP General Secretary and abolish presidential term limits.
Media sources have amplified these rumors, with some claiming Xi’s authority is waning and reformist factions, including those tied to former leader Hu Jintao, are positioning figures like Wang Yang as potential successors. However, such claims remain inconclusive without official confirmation.
Historical Context of CCP Leadership Transitions
The CCP has a history of managing leadership transitions through sidelining rather than outright dismissal. Intelligence sources note that at least three prominent leaders have been reduced to ceremonial roles in the past, a tactic that avoids public confrontation while shifting real power.
The current situation echoes these historical patterns, with the absence of monthly Politburo meetings in May 2025 and the re-emergence of sidelined figures like Hu Chunhua fueling speculation of a managed transition.
However, Xi’s firm grip on the military and party apparatus, coupled with the lack of a clear successor, suggests he remains a formidable force, even if his authority is under strain.
Potential Global Implications
China’s internal dynamics could have far-reaching consequences. Intelligence sources warn that the CCP has historically used external confrontations to deflect domestic instability, as seen in heightened South China Sea activities during the 2012 Bo Xilai crisis and aggressive moves in Ladakh in 2020.
A destabilized leadership could prompt Beijing to escalate cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, or naval presence in the Indian Ocean to project strength. With the 21st Party Congress looming in 2027, the coming months will be critical in determining whether Xi can reassert his dominance or if factional challenges will reshape China’s political landscape.
Xi Jinping’s two-week absence from public view has exposed cracks in the CCP’s carefully curated image of unity. While the Chinese government has offered no official explanation, the convergence of military purges, economic struggles, and symbolic omissions points to a sensitive transitional phase.
Whether this reflects a deliberate recalibration by Xi or a genuine challenge to his authority remains unclear. As Beijing navigates these turbulent waters, the world watches closely, aware that shifts in China’s leadership could ripple across global geopolitics.
