Entering his third term as the leader of the Chinese Communist Party, Xi Jinping’s extreme focus on his own security has raised concerns. The recent remarks made by Chinese Minister of State Security, Chen Yixin, about “eliminating internal traitors” have sparked analysis indicating that Xi is surrounded by enemies, suggesting that there might be “internal traitors” hiding within the top echelons of the party. Recently, it seems that Wang Huning may also be implicated in a “spy” case.
Minister of State Security Chen Yixin recently put forth a campaign called the “Five Antis” movement, which aims to combat “subversion, hegemony, separatism, terrorism, and espionage,” emphasizing the need to “eliminate internal traitors.” Chen Yixin is seen as one of Xi Jinping’s closest confidants.
On May 20th, historian Li Yuanhua, who resides in Australia, told the Da Ji Yuan that authoritarian leaders, in order to solidify their power, often perceive countless enemies around them. Xi Jinping now sees enemies everywhere, including among his own subordinates. They may outwardly appear obedient but are secretly waiting for an opportunity to rebel, thus prompting Xi to carry out what is labeled as eliminating internal traitors. Those entrusted with the task of rooting out internal traitors may also seize this opportunity to attack others.
“Within the Communist Party, internal struggles are inherent; even lackeys vie for favor and seek to expand their sphere of influence by exploiting each other’s weaknesses and launching attacks. From the top to the bottom, no one feels safe.”
The term “internal traitors” was popular during the Cultural Revolution of the Chinese Communist Party, where it referred to central committee members, alternate central committee members, including the second-ranking member of the party, Liu Shaoqi.
Li Yuanhua stated that the term “internal traitors” as used by the Chinese Communist Party authorities undoubtedly points to high-ranking officials rather than those at lower levels. “Internal traitors could be remnants of the previous dynasty, such as the economic ministers from the era of Li Keqiang. While they may not have committed any actual wrongdoings, they might hold differing views on Xi’s current economic policies or fail to actively support them, which could lead to their identification as internal traitors.”
Political commentator Li Guotao told the Da Ji Yuan on May 21st that just as Mao Zedong engaged in infighting with high-ranking officials like Liu Shaoqi and Lin Biao in the past, Xi Jinping is also likely targeting internal traitors among his party’s top colleagues, and the purge could extend to officials at middle to high levels.
Political commentator Cai Shenkun wrote in an article on an overseas platform in May that officials handpicked by Xi Jinping have been subjected to continuous “purges” last year. For instance, the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qin Gang, the new Minister of National Defense, Li Shangfu, and a large number of senior officers in the Rocket Forces were removed. This indicates that the “nails” and “internal traitors” around Xi Jinping are ever-present and difficult to guard against. Chen Yixin’s introduction of the “Five Antis” movement is more likely a form of intimidation aimed at party officials and dissidents, preventing anyone from acting rashly or voicing dissent.
The Chinese Ministry of State Security has emphasized “counter-espionage” since last year, aiming to combat alleged collusion between internal and external forces. Over recent years, there have been instances of overseas Chinese scholars returning to China only to be arrested on charges of espionage, leading some analysts to believe that these incidents are linked to power struggles.
Chinese-born professor Fan Yuntao from Japan’s Asia University went missing after temporarily returning to China in February last year. Multiple sources suggested that he was likely detained by the Chinese authorities.
On April 23rd, former head of the Taipei bureau of Japan’s Sankei Shimbun and veteran media figure Yoshimura Tsuyoshi wrote that Fan Yuntao and Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member Wang Huning were classmates at Shanghai Fudan University, indicating their close relationship. Due to Wang Huning’s high status within the Chinese Communist Party, often engaged in some form of political maneuvering behind the scenes, Fan Yuntao was likely implicated as a consequence.
Political commentator Li Guotao told Da Ji Yuan that if Wang Huning’s close friend is arrested as a spy, it may suggest that Xi Jinping has already begun taking action against Wang Huning. Although not yet public, it is highly likely that Xi is still in a state of deliberation.