Amid a sensitive period for cross-strait relations, Shanghai Fudan University professor Shen Yi recently sparked backlash in Taiwan with his statement on a web program suggesting “just beat up Taiwan.” Taiwanese media revealed that Shen Yi is a key theorist for the Chinese Communist Party’s Fudan faction, followed by his Taiwan counterpart rallying against Xi Jinping. Wang Huning, using a dual strategy, attempted to provoke hawkish figures to stimulate anti-Taiwan sentiments. Wang Huning’s recent high-profile activities have raised speculations about his political ambitions to replace Xi.
Recently, a short video circulating online showed Shen Yi communicating with former spokesperson for the New Party, Wang Bingzhong. Shen Yi asserted that there is no need to consider the feelings of Taiwanese people too much because China (CCP) cannot understand the mindset of Taiwanese. He quoted former Taiwan legislator Cai Zhengyuan’s past remarks that China is unable to understand Taiwan because China has only experienced “semi-colonialism,” while both Hong Kong and Taiwan have been “colonies.”
Shen Yi further claimed, “What are the characteristics of a colony? Just beat them up! You don’t need to think too much, because as long as they don’t want to die, they will come to their senses on their own.”
Taiwanese media reported on December 19 that during the “Twin City Forum” between Taipei and Shanghai, former President Ma Ying-jeou led a delegation to China, and former Legislative Yuan Speaker Wang Jinping also expressed cross-strait perspectives. Meanwhile, Chinese media extensively touted the 25th anniversary of the Macau government handover. Shen Yi’s remarks at this time have stirred up public opinion in Taiwan.
Facing criticism from Taiwanese society, Shen Yi immediately distanced himself on Weibo, shifting the responsibility of his statements to Cai Zhengyuan.
It is believed in the eyes of Taiwanese people that Shen Yi’s hawkish remarks may be merely for garnering attention. However, the reality is that Shen Yi, along with Guo Kaiming, deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office, and scholars Zhang Weiwei and Chen Ping, known for their radical remarks and popular among Chinese netizens, all originate from the Fudan faction in Shanghai. They are all disciples of Wang Huning, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, seemingly specializing in different fields but collectively serving as the orchestrators of CCP’s internal theoretical battles. Shen Yi, fearlessly voicing his views in the Chinese cyber environment, has complex backgrounds, with lurking intentions behind his related statements orchestrated by the CCP. Wang Huning is adept at playing both hands, utilizing hawkish figures to provoke anti-Taiwan sentiments.
Reports suggest that Wang Huning, currently holding the key position in formulating overall Taiwan policies, has climbed the political ladder through Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao, and Xi Jinping’s reigns, earning him the title “Three Dynasties Master” within the CCP’s decision-making system, also known as the behind-the-scenes manipulator of power, the “Gray Archbishop.” As Wang Huning’s power continues to expand, his decision-making authority increasingly encroaches upon Xi Jinping.
Independent commentator Du Zheng previously stated that there have always been various factions within the CCP, including cliques formed based on alma mater relationships, all pointing back to corruption and power struggles. The incumbent Politburo Standing Committee member Wang Huning is the leader of the Fudan faction in the Chinese officialdom.
In his journey, Wang Huning, who entered Fudan University to study International Politics in 1978, eventually became the Dean of the Law School at Fudan University in 1994. With recommendations from the prominent Jiang faction members Wu Bangguo and Zeng Qinghong, he entered the Zhongnanhai in 1995 and took the position of Director of the Central Policy Research Office for 18 years. During Xi Jinping’s second term, he became a member of the Political Bureau Standing Committee, overseeing propaganda and ideology.
Remaining in his position beyond the 20th Party Congress, Wang Huning assumed the role of Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference in March 2023, directly responsible for united front work and handling Taiwan affairs and serving as the President of the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification. The Taiwan Affairs Office’s superior is the Central Leading Group on Taiwan Affairs, headed by Xi Jinping, with Wang Huning being the sole Deputy Leader.
In recent years, Wang Huning has gained popularity around Xi Jinping, and his Fudan alumni have also been unusually active.
On May 31, 2021, Wang Huning invited the renowned director of the Fudan University China Institute, Zhang Weiwei, known as a government supporter, to lecture the Standing Committee members at Zhongnanhai, emphasizing enhancing international communication capabilities.
Another member of the Fudan faction, researcher at the Fudan Institute of China Studies Zheng Ruolin, once interviewed the then-French Ambassador to France, Lu Shaye, boasting about Lu Shaye’s “wolf warrior” attitude towards the West.
Fudan University’s internet-famous professor Shen Yi is a nationalist who criticized the then-Editor-in-Chief of the Global Times, Hu Xijin, for not being tough enough.
On November 17, 2023, the 59-year-old Qiu Kaiming was appointed as the Deputy Director of the Taiwan Affairs Office. Having graduated with a Ph.D. in International Politics from Fudan University in Shanghai, Qiu Kaiming was a student of Wang Huning. His appointment at the brink of retirement was believed to be orchestrated by Wang Huning.
Since the latter half of this year, amidst speculations of Xi Jinping’s waning power, Wang Huning has been actively engaging in research and meeting with foreign guests, drawing considerable attention. Various analyses suggest his ambitions to seek a more pivotal role.
From late November to early December, Wang Huning first visited Hainan accompanied by Political Bureau Member Shi Taifeng, then met with Singapore’s Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Hun Sen, Chairman of the Cambodian People’s Party and Senate, Stephen Nauru Speaker Stefan, and Vietnamese Communist Party Central Political Bureau Member and Committee Chairman of the Central Theory Committee. Ruanchunsheng led the Vietnamese Communist Party delegation.
Political commentator Chen Pokong pointed out that when Wang Huning met Ruanchunsheng, they took a photo in front of a screen with the words “Oriental Sunrise,” indicating a potential ambition to replace Xi Jinping.
Political commentator Wen Zhao stated that the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference was originally a nominal institution, but its status surpassed the National People’s Congress. Wang Huning demonstrated higher-profile activities compared to Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. Starting in October, Zhao Leji only visited Liaoning once and without high-ranking officials accompanying him. Wang Huning’s trip to Hainan was accompanied by Shi Taifeng, indicating his aspiration to play a more significant role.
Director of the International Human Rights Association and Chinese expert Wu Wenxin, in an interview with “Seeing China,” mentioned that everyone within the Communist Party aspires to be the top leader, including Wang Huning. “Xi Jinping appreciates Wang Huning for his cunning. But one day, Wang Huning might use his slyness against Xi. Some say Wang Huning is the most dangerous person in the world because of his cunning.”