Xi Jinping's Purge of Top Officials Raises Fears of Volatile Decision-Making
-
A Stalin-like purge is underway in China's political system under Xi Jinping, with top officials disappearing or dying unexpectedly.
-
Victims include generals overseeing China's nuclear weapons, top financial regulators, and formerly trusted members of Xi's inner circle.
-
The purges exacerbate existing economic troubles and social unrest as Xi demands loyalty above all else.
-
Allegations swirl of foreign spying and salacious affairs, but the real reasonslikely involve power struggles and paranoia within the opaque regime.
-
The febrile atmosphere raises fears of rash decisions by an isolated Xi, including conflict with neighbors or an invasion of Taiwan.