In China, the economic situation continues to worsen in 2025, and internal power struggles within the Communist Party intensify. Various signs indicate that the Communist regime is facing an unprecedented crisis. Analysts believe that the CCP has entered a period known as “post-Xi” or “late Communism”, and 2026 may be a turbulent year.
As the year-end approaches, several cities in China have successively canceled New Year’s Eve celebrations, from Xi’an and Tianjin to Shanghai’s Bund, where light shows, countdown ceremonies, and fireworks displays have been completely halted. The official reason given is “preventing risks”, but against the backdrop of economic decline and rising unemployment rates, the public generally believes that the authorities are genuinely concerned about the potential for large gatherings to incite social unrest and protest risks.
On December 30th, senior media figure Yan Chungou posted an article titled “Turmoil World, Crisis Looms, Beijing’s Power Struggle Intensifies — Reflections on 2026” on his Facebook. The article touches upon international affairs and analyzes the current state of Chinese politics and economy.
Yan mentioned that within the CCP, this year has been unfavorable, with the economy hitting a new low. Despite seemingly positive foreign trade figures, much of it is inflated, and with the loss of the United States as a major export market, significant setbacks have occurred. With dwindling foreign investment, foreign companies relocating, trade barriers, shrinking investments, severe unemployment, stagnant real estate market, there’s hardly any good news. As the economy slows down, a large army of unemployed roam the streets, signs of social instability emerge, with group incidents and controversies on the rise. The government is busy maintaining stability, raising funds to pay debts, and life is getting increasingly difficult.
He predicts that mainland China will face a period of social conflict in 2026, following the closure and relocation of foreign investment and private enterprises in the past couple of years, causing widespread unemployment and unpaid wages throughout society. With the bottom layer of society already depleted by a year and a half of struggles, as times get tougher and grievances mount, organized disturbances could become the norm. Local governments in 2026 will face severe governance crises with insufficient funds and personnel, unable to quell civil unrest, resorting to passive coping strategies.
The dissolution of the CCP’s ruling power will inevitably occur in fragments, with some regions collapsing first and others later. Simultaneously, local chaos will inevitably intensify internal contradictions within the central leadership, with tensions rising within the party and military, leading to palace coups and potential military coups. It is possible for certain high-ranking officials to gather, establish a separate center, and vie for control using their weapons, plunging the country into chaos that will be difficult to contain. In short, 2026 is bound to be a turbulent year.
On December 19, the UK’s “The Guardian” cited data from the Washington-based “Freedom House”‘s “China Dissent Monitor”, revealing a 70% increase in rural protests, with 661 recorded incidents from January to November 2025 compared to the previous year. These protests largely revolve around sensitive topics such as land acquisition, religious and ancestral affairs, and funeral reforms.
In a rare move in November, the official Chinese authorities emphasized strict prevention of large-scale return flows and stagnation of migrant workers.
Chinese human rights lawyer Wu Shaoping expressed to the Epoch Times that heading into 2026, social risks will continue to spread to rural areas. He hopes that farmers will realize the evils of the communist regime and recognize that it is responsible for the hardships faced by the Chinese people today.
With Xi Jinping’s third term as CCP leader passing its midpoint, internal strife within the CCP intensifies. In 2025, Xi’s associates, led by Vice Chairman of the Military Commission He Weidong, have fallen from grace, and China’s political scene has been described as entering a bewildering period.
Independent commentator Du Zheng wrote for Taiwanese media “Up Media”, stating that events have taken an unexpected turn. A basic rule is that economic and social issues will drive changes in political landscapes, including power struggles at the highest level. In any case, the era of “post-Xi” has quietly arrived. The period around the 21st Congress of the CCP is a crucial period where various forces are positioning themselves to wrest power.
The author believes that Xi Jinping clearly wants to remain in power. However, his close allies understand that Xi cannot hold power indefinitely, so they are prepared to seize the opportunity whenever it arises.
In conclusion, the article points out that even during Mao Zedong’s later years, chaos began among his confidants, factions fought each other, nearly toppling the entire regime. This time, the CCP has no chance of extending its life span. After a century of existence, its time has come to an end, and this shipwrecked vessel cannot withstand further turmoil. Even if internal struggles persist, the people will not spare it anymore.
Commentator “New Highland” stated on X platform on December 30th that Xi Jinping’s extreme lust for power, vigilance against change, and overreaction to external threats have not only exacerbated domestic conflicts but also isolated China on the international stage. All signs indicate that China has clearly entered the late stage of Communism. Post-2025, China may face even greater turmoil.