As China’s Communist Party congress approaches, a 105-year-old party elder has sent a blunt message to Chinese President Xi Jinping. The message comes amid speculation about Xi’s plans for his third term in office and the future direction of China.
In his message, the party elder, Li Rui, warned against the dangers of one-man rule and called for greater respect for the rule of law. Li also criticized Xi’s signature anti-corruption campaign, saying that it had been used to eliminate political opponents and consolidate power.
Li’s message is significant because he is one of the few remaining party elders who served under Mao Zedong, the founder of the People’s Republic of China. Li’s words carry weight because of his long history with the party and his experience with previous leadership transitions.
Li’s message is also significant because it comes at a time when Xi is consolidating his power and cracking down on dissent. Xi has been criticized for his increasing authoritarianism, with some analysts suggesting that he is moving China away from its reform-era policies and towards a more authoritarian model of governance.
Despite Li’s message, it remains to be seen whether Xi will heed his words. Xi has been increasingly assertive in his pursuit of power, and his crackdown on dissent suggests that he is not open to criticism or dissenting views.
The upcoming Communist Party congress will be closely watched, as it will provide clues about Xi’s plans for his third term in office and the future direction of China. Whether Xi will listen to the message of party elders like Li remains to be seen, but their warnings about the dangers of one-man rule and the importance of the rule of law are worth heeding.
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