On the evening of September 30th, the Chinese Communist Party held a reception for the upcoming National Day, commonly referred to as the “Eleventh” reception. President Xi Jinping and other members of the CCP’s seven-member Standing Committee made appearances, along with the previously controversial former Minister of the Central Organization Department, Chen Xi. Several retired CCP military generals were also in attendance, including General Li Zuocheng, amidst heightened attention due to the recent expulsion of high-ranking military official Zhang Yuxia.
The reception, as reported by Xinhua News Agency, took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Attendees included current members of the Political Bureau Standing Committee, national-level officials, as well as former vice-ministerial-level officials and members of the Military Commission.
It is noted that retired members of the Political Bureau Standing Committee of the CCP typically only participate in the “Eleventh” reception during significant celebratory years with numbers ending in five or zero, with their absence in regular years.
Chen Xi, a former Minister of the Central Organization Department, made a public appearance once again. Despite rumors of investigations and demotions following his retirement, Chen Xi’s presence at the reception indicates his continued involvement in party affairs.
Speculations suggest that Chen Xi may have secured his position under Xi Jinping’s leadership. However, the fate of officials recommended and promoted by Chen Xi remains uncertain, with potential divisions within the party regarding his influence.
High-ranking military figures, including former Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Fan Changlong, former Minister of National Defense Chang Wanquan, former Commander of the Air Force Ma Xiaotian, and Lieutenant General Li Zuocheng of the Central Military Commission Joint Staff Department were seen at the event.
Li Zuocheng, who had previously been absent from commemorations, had reportedly faced pressure in the past but was later reinstated under Xi Jinping’s administration. However, numerous promoted military officials under Xi Jinping’s tenure have faced subsequent downfall, raising questions about Li Zuocheng’s standing.
In a recent political meeting, Zhang Yuxia and Liu Zhenli, formerly senior military officials, were expelled from the party and the military for allegations of misconduct and violations of political discipline.
Following these developments, there were indications of discontent within the military ranks. Retired generals expressed frustration and resentment, highlighting potential unrest within the military amid recent political purges and reorganizations.
Experts suggest that the purge of high-ranking officials may have repercussions within the military establishment, with implications for future resistance against Xi Jinping’s administration.
During the reception, several unidentified individuals in black attire were observed monitoring the officials closely, indicating a heightened sense of surveillance within the event. Reports suggest that these individuals, resembling personnel from the Central Guard Bureau, were primarily tasked with overseeing the security of senior party officials present at the reception.
The presence of these black-clad individuals at the event, as captured in circulating video footage, underscores the secretive and guarded atmosphere surrounding high-level CCP gatherings and the heightened security measures in place to ensure control and surveillance over the attendees.