The whims of one man have rocked Communist China before; Xi’s power grab makes it more probable that it will happen again. Communist China’s biggest problem has been political succession. It is ironic to say the least, considering Russia’s tumble from world power to regional bully is the single most studied negative example in Chinese political circles. For one, they note that since his ascension to power, Xi has not shown much enthusiasm to deal with the massive debt amassed by China’s state-run sector. Xi’s decision to appoint himself the modern-day version of an emperor could have implications for the rule of the Chinese Communist Party.

Source: Washington Post February 26, 2018 21:45 UTC