Is Xi Jinping Stepping Down Soon?

Jul 06, 2025 Khushi Kumari

The Chinese president’s recent actions have sparked rumours about whether he’s preparing to step back after 13 years in power

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Xi chaired a Politburo meeting where new regulations were introduced to “standardise” the operations of key party institutions

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South China Morning Post analysts say the new rules “may be set up … because it’s a key time for power transition”

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UC‑San Diego’s Victor Shih suggests Xi may be shifting away from daily management to concentrate on major priorities

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Xi was missing from public view between May 21 and June 5, fueling speculation about his political positioning

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For the first time since assuming the presidency, Xi skipped the BRICS summit in Rio in early July 2025. Premier Li Qiang led the delegation instead

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