Rumors about the removal of Xi Jinping

Xi Jinping ouster rumors refer to a wave of speculation in mid-2025 that Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, had been or was about to be removed from power. These rumors spread widely through online platforms such as YouTube, Weibo, and Telegram, gaining traction due to Xi's temporary absence from public view and reports of military reshuffles.
Overview
The rumors emerged amid growing reports of internal unrest within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the People’s Liberation Army. Key military figures closely aligned with Xi were dismissed or disappeared, while alleged reorganizations suggested a weakening of Xi’s control. Some claimed the CCP had begun considering either a gradual or immediate transfer of power, with the upcoming Fourth Plenum in August 2025 cited as a potential turning point.
Media commentary and social media influencers outside mainland China amplified the idea of a power shift, with narratives ranging from internal dissent to full-scale coup attempts. Reports also speculated on the return of political factions once sidelined by Xi, including figures like Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao.
Reactions
The Chinese government issued no formal denial but later aired footage of Xi at official events. Analysts and commentators remain divided: some view the rumors as symptomatic of China's opaque political structure and internal instability, while others regard them as exaggerated and unverifiable.

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