In an unprecedented turn of events that has captured the attention of global political observers, Chinese President Xi Jinping's absence from public appearances, state media coverage, and key diplomatic meetings from May 21 to June 5, 2025, has set off intense speculation of an internal power shake-up within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This unusually long disappearance comes at a time when China is grappling with economic headwinds, mounting internal dissent, and a string of leadership purges within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA)—leading many to suggest that a major recalibration of power dynamics may be underway in Beijing.

For nearly two weeks, Xi Jinping was notably absent from the front pages of the People’s Daily and Xinhua, the country’s two most authoritative state-run propaganda outlets. Since 2017, Xi has been a near-daily presence in Chinese state media, and such a break in visibility is rare—if not unprecedented—during his more than decade-long rule.

During Xi's absence, the Chinese state apparatus continued to function, but with some surprising reassignments of responsibility. Premier Li Qiang and Vice Premier He Lifeng took the lead in high-profile diplomatic meetings, signaling not just a routine delegation of duties but possibly a deliberate restructuring of leadership optics. This temporary shift in representation has only intensified speculation about Xi’s internal standing and the current state of cohesion within the CCP’s upper echelons.

Adding to this speculation was the timing and nature of major purges in the PLA. Since early 2023, several top-ranking military officials have been either dismissed or quietly replaced. These include prominent names such as:

• General He Weidong, Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission

• General Miao Hua, Chief of Political Work

• General Lin Xiangyang, Commander of the Eastern Theater Command

Further, entire strategic commands like the PLA’s Rocket Force and Western Theater Command have undergone significant leadership reshuffles. These changes point to systemic unease and potential factional conflicts within the PLA, the very institution seen as the backbone of Xi’s authoritarian grip on power.

On June 6, 2025, just a day after Xi’s reported return, a constitutional loyalty ceremony was held by the State Council and attended by more than 50 top-ranking officials. Notably, Xi Jinping was not present at this symbolic event. Instead, state delegates were observed reciting “Xi Jinping Thought”—the ideological cornerstone of his governance. This contrast between his physical absence and symbolic reinforcement has further fed the narrative that something significant is brewing behind closed doors in the Chinese leadership.

Political analysts remain divided on the implications of Xi's absence. Some interpret the situation as a calculated strategic pause, allowing Xi time to restructure internal command lines, reassess policy failures, and quell dissent quietly. Others, however, see it as a potential challenge to his authority, especially after a year marked by sluggish economic performance, youth unemployment, and growing criticism of his over-centralisation of power.

The Chinese government, true to form, has provided no official explanation for Xi’s reduced public activity. The state’s silence has only strengthened speculation that the country might be heading into a sensitive transitional phase—either within the military command, economic policy leadership, or overall CCP power structure.

The timing of this disappearance and the concurrent developments cannot be dismissed as coincidental:

• Military reshuffles have targeted the most strategically significant branches of the PLA, including the Rocket Force, which oversees China’s missile and nuclear arsenal, and the Western Theater Command, responsible for border security with India.

• Economic challenges continue to mount. From declining real estate values and tech sector clampdowns to disrupted supply chains and flagging foreign investments, the Chinese economy has been navigating unsteady waters. All this has placed enormous pressure on the CCP’s promise of prosperity and stability.

• The international spotlight on Xi’s disappearance has also been amplified by China’s geopolitical position. With relations strained with the US, EU, and India, and regional assertiveness in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, any perceived instability in Beijing’s leadership is of global consequence.

Interestingly, Xi’s absence overlapped with a notable absence from international forums. Both he and Russian President Vladimir Putin were confirmed as no-shows for the upcoming BRICS Summit in Brazil, fueling parallel discussions about coordinated geopolitical strategies, internal crises, or potential health issues.

Meanwhile, within China, second-tier party officials and party elders have stepped up their public appearances, giving rise to the theory that the CCP might be testing alternate modes of governance representation in anticipation of a broader shift. Whether these figures are filling a temporary gap or being groomed for more permanent roles remains to be seen.

The global community, especially intelligence analysts and China-watchers, is closely observing the ripple effects of this episode. For India, the reshuffle in the PLA's Western Theater Command—which oversees the Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh borders—is particularly significant. A change in leadership here could suggest a revised military strategy, with implications for ongoing border tensions.

In summary, Xi Jinping’s 15-day disappearance from public life, media coverage, and formal state events, especially amid military purges, economic challenges, and an ongoing geopolitical rebalancing, suggests more than just a tactical retreat. Whether this absence signals a reassertion of authority, a managed transition of roles, or internal pushback from within the party or military, the episode marks a potential inflection point in China's political landscape.

As China continues to maintain official opacity, the world remains in wait—and watch mode—for what might emerge from Beijing’s inner sanctums in the weeks to come. Whether this is merely Xi Jinping recalibrating power or the beginning of an era-defining transition, one thing is certain: the tremors are being felt far beyond China’s borders.

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