Recently disclosed by Chinese exile writer Yuan Hongbing, it was revealed that CCP leader Xi Jinping is attempting to use the opposition party’s influence in Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan to “completely disrupt and infiltrate Taiwan” and ultimately take over the island through collaboration. Yuan Hongbing’s revelation has sparked attention amid large-scale protests triggered by the Legislative Yuan’s proposal to forcibly pass an empowerment bill, which sparked widespread public outcry.
Yuan Hongbing confirmed on May 24th to the Central News Agency that the information was provided by a “second-generation red” who did not dare to challenge Xi Jinping. The author’s interest lies not in the political polarization within the island, but who among the CCP’s anti-Xi insiders is the whistleblower?
Even after leaving China, Yuan Hongbing maintains interactions within the CCP system. While he did not explicitly disclose which second-generation red directly or indirectly provided him with information, earlier this year, he released a list of second-generation red names.
On January 3rd, Yuan Hongbing announced a revelation within the CCP claiming that the second-generation red, led by Liu Shaoqi’s son Liu Yuan, collectively demanded Xi Jinping step down.
It is alleged that the second-generation red involved in the anti-Xi petition includes: Liu Shaoqi’s son Liu Yuan, Deng Xiaoping’s son Deng Pufang, Hu Yaobang’s son Hu Deping, Chen Yun’s son Chen Yuan, the daughter of former Central Military Commission Secretary and CCP general Luo Ruiqing, the children of CCP marshals Ye Jianying, He Long, Nie Rongzhen, Xu Xiangqian, as well as the children of former CCP elder Bo Yibo (excluding imprisoned Bo Xilai).
The disclosure also mentioned that these second-generation red individuals have reached three consensuses, the first of which accuses Xi of “promoting wartime systems and preparing for a Taiwan Strait war.” It also suggests Beijing should abandon the policy of militarily threatening Taiwan and improve relations with developed countries.
While the “second-generation red anti-Xi consensus” has yet to be confirmed, the revelation regarding Xi’s directive to “completely disrupt and infiltrate Taiwan” has been widely cited for its pre-warning accuracy and subsequent almost verbatim implementation.
Among the second-generation red individuals listed by Yuan Hongbing, Liu Yuan undoubtedly holds significant weight.
Xi Jinping has often spoken similar phrases like “the red regime is not easily obtained,” which, on one hand, exposes his fear of losing the red political power and, on the other hand, positions himself as the inheritor of the red regime to combat criticisms of establishing a lifelong system within the party. Apparently, those who question Xi’s authority most effectively are the second-generation red individuals who share a similar background with him. Liu Yuan, the son of the former President Liu Shaoqi, might be one of Xi’s biggest concerns.
At 73 years old, General Liu Yuan has previously served as the Political Commissar of the Academy of Military Science and the General Logistics Department of the CCP, assisting former CCP leader Hu Jintao in eliminating powerful figures within the military like Gu Junshan. After Xi Jinping came into power, Liu Yuan played a role in toppling former Vice-Chairmen of the Central Military Commission, Guo Boxiong and Xu Caihou. Previously seen as a potential candidate for the Military Commission during the 19th National Congress of the CCP or the Secretary of the Military Discipline Commission, he transitioned to the National People’s Congress Finance and Economic Committee in 2015, when he was under 65 years old. Following the National People’s Congress session in March 2023, Liu Yuan slowly faded from the political scene of the CCP.
However, in recent years, Liu Yuan has received rare “votes” in the National People’s Congress elections. During the 13th and 14th National People’s Congress in March 2018 and 2023, respectively, there were instances where 2 and 1 National People’s Congress delegates voted for Liu Yuan during the election of the National Supervisory Commission Chairman. Such occurrences are peculiar in the CCP, which boasts a facade of “full-process democracy.”
This indicates that Liu Yuan still holds influence in the political arena. If he chooses to make a statement or someone uses his name as a front, Xi Jinping is likely to have reservations. It cannot be ruled out that within Liu Yuan’s circle, someone may have provided information to Yuan Hongbing.
Among other influential second-generation red individuals, Deng Pufang, the son of Deng Xiaoping, stepped down from his honorary chairman role at the China Welfare Institute in September 2023, and the Deng family no longer holds a significant presence in politics. In April of this year, it was reported that Deng Xiaoping’s grandson, Deng Zhuodi, is currently serving as a director at CITIC Financial. Despite this, as a symbol of the “reform and opening up” era, the Deng Xiaoping family remains a formidable force that Xi finds challenging to shake.
Additionally, Hu Deping, the son of Hu Yaobang, and Xi Jinping have their differences. Xi seized control of the liberal magazine “Yanhuang Chunqiu,” previously overseen by the Hu family, forcing Hu Yaobang’s son Hu Dehua to move from the courtyard in Xicheng District where Hu Yaobang used to reside. These actions are part of Xi’s crackdown on the Hu Yaobang family; however, his influence only extends to a certain degree.
Nonetheless, the retiree and former lecturer at the Yunnan Provincial Party School, Zi Su, publicly endorsed Hu Deping as the new General Secretary in a letter a few years ago, potentially causing Xi Jinping to view Hu Deping with caution.
Regarding other second-generation red individuals critical of Xi, some have been “shaken” by Xi’s actions, such as Liu Yazhou, who is not only a second-generation red but also the son-in-law of former President Li Xiannian. Liu has been arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Recently, various sources have indicated that within the second-generation red group, there are many individuals who, due to their interests being impacted by Xi’s policies or disapproval of Xi’s authoritarian approach, privately criticize Xi Jinping. It is believed that they will continue to reveal more explosive information in the future.
These developments have triggered debates overseas. Yuan Hongbing later explained to Dajiyuan that after verifying and receiving feedback, the consensus among the second-generation red, including Liu Yuan, against Xi Jinping is indeed authentic.
Thus, while the “second-generation red anti-Xi consensus” remains unconfirmed, the revelation regarding Xi’s attempt to “completely disrupt and infiltrate Taiwan,” and the subsequent unfolding of events as predicted, continues to be widely discussed and cited.