Winston Churchill once likened the inner workings of Soviet Marxists to “bulldogs fighting under the carpet.” You could sense the turmoil and movements, but until the dog emerged, nobody really knew what was happening. Fast forward to today, and a similar fuss seems to be brewing under the surface in China, with emerging evidence suggesting that President Xi Jinping might have faced a quiet coup.
The signs are becoming increasingly clear. There’s been a significant purge of Xi loyalists in the military, alongside rumors regarding the unexpected death of a high-ranking general who was once a firm supporter of Xi. If these rumors hold any weight, they could indicate a potential rebellion among the elite against Xi’s tightening grip on power. The very same ruthlessness Xi exhibited when he publicly humiliated former leader Hu Jintao at the 2022 party convention could soon come back to haunt him.
The military fortress crumbles
Napoleon famously remarked that “the army marches on its stomach.” It seems Xi Jinping is now realizing that loyalty runs thin, especially during an economic downturn. The Chinese military, his purported bastion of power, appears deeply unsettled. Since December 2023, over 15 senior army officers have been dismissed, including key figures tied to Xi. Even his own trusted allies, like Admiral Miao Hua, haven’t been spared from this wave of dismissals.
More troubling, there are unverified reports that Weidong may have taken his own life, echoing a pattern of suspicious deaths among high-ranking officials who fell out of favor with Xi. When military leaders start to die under questionable circumstances, it suggests something far more significant than routine anti-corruption efforts.
This purge is particularly notable given the backdrop of an economic collapse. With tax revenues dwindling and local governments drowning in $13 trillion of debt, even Xi’s military backers are beginning to question their support. Leaders within the system are caught in a dilemma: either act to eliminate Xi before he can eliminate them or risk watching him drag the whole party down alongside him.
Economic crises fueling political turmoil
Xi’s handling of domestic affairs has pushed the Chinese Communist Party to the brink of losing its legitimacy. The real estate sector, once a major driver of China’s economy, has dramatically collapsed. By May 2025, construction activity plummeted by 23.8%, leaving workers uncertain about their futures. Meanwhile, the demographic challenges stemming from the one-child policy continue to bring about unsustainable costs for an aging population.
His Zero Covid lockdown led to rare protests in 2022, showcasing public discontent. Adding to these troubles are his misguided trade policies, which have resulted in punitive US tariffs, nudging allies like Vietnam closer to Washington. Xi’s aggressive “Wolf Warrior” diplomacy has alienated traditional partners, and his attempts to leverage rare earth minerals have only accelerated global efforts to seek alternative sources.
With GDP growth nosediving and the party’s promise of prosperity in exchange for political loyalty collapsing, factions within the CCP not loyal to Xi are increasingly worried. They fear that the economic distress could spark widespread unrest that jeopardizes their own positions, prompting them to consider removing him.
Signs of elite dissent
While the CCP’s elite often operates in secrecy, there are indicators of an emerging rebellion. Reports suggest that influential figures like General Zhang Youxia and former Premier Wen Jiabao have criticized Xi’s leadership. Scholar Zhang Yingjie has notably declared Xi’s system “hopeless,” a bold move in the current climate.
The suppressed “Peng Lifa” protests in 2022, which demanded Xi’s removal, reveal that dissatisfaction extends well beyond the upper echelons of the party. Xi’s systematic humiliation of rivals has put potential allies in peril, making them consider their own political existence if they don’t act against Xi.
As the “bulldogs” continue to battle below the surface, it appears that Chinese leaders may be quietly strategizing to oust Xi, driven by fears of the party’s collapse. However, they must navigate extensive surveillance, leaving many questions unanswered.
The paradox of control
Xi’s fixation on controlling information has created its own leadership challenges. In a system where upward criticism is lethal, even he might not fully grasp the extent of dissent brewing around him.
What lies ahead?
The amalgamation of military purges, economic crises, elite unrest, and public dissatisfaction paints a picture of a regime in deep trouble. Yet, the future of Xi remains shrouded in ambiguity. Has he been quietly overthrown, or is he fighting back against any threats to his power?
The truth will likely become evident during the 2027 Party Congress, when succession struggles can no longer be hidden. Until then, the international community should leverage pressure through targeted tariffs, advocate for human rights, and support democratic alternatives in the region.
As Churchill’s bulldogs continue their unseen struggles, the world watches to see which factions will emerge victorious and whether a public rebellion against Xi will materialize.
