MERICS Member Briefing - Beijing Buzz: Is Xi’s power waning? Assessing political rumors and power dynamics

On July 16, 9:00-10:00 a.m. (CEST), MERICS held a digital member briefing “Beijing Buzz: Is Xi’s power waning? Assessing political rumors and power dynamics”. China’s leadership is facing socio-economic challenges at home and stronger geopolitical headwinds abroad. In recent weeks, rumors have been swirling about Xi Jinping’s waning grip on power, triggered by his absence at key events and signals about internal discontent with his policies. What is behind these rumors? Is China’s supreme leader just ill, taking a summer break or prioritizing other tasks? Or is a power struggle underway? And what are potential scenarios for Xi’s succession? 

Our online briefing for MERICS Members and key stakeholders unpacked ideological shifts, political dynamics and institutional shake-ups that shape China’s trajectory. MERICS Head of Program Katja Drinhausen discussed the „Beijing Buzz“ with MERICS Senior Associate Fellows Manoj Kewalramani and Richard McGregor, and MERICS Director External Affairs Bernhard Bartsch. 

The event took place online via Teams.

Speakers:
Katja Drinhausen - Head of Program "Politics and Society", MERICS 
Manoj Kewalramani - Chairperson of the Indo-Pacific Studies Programme, The Takshashila Institution; MERICS Senior Associate Fellow 
Richard McGregor - Senior Fellow for East Asia, Lowy Institute; MERICS Senior Associate Fellow 

Moderator: 
Bernhard Bartsch - Director External Relations, MERICS 

This event took place in a confidential setting and was by personal invitation only.