Xi’s Power Play With Zhou Carries Risk of Undermining Party
This article is for subscribers only.
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s biggest political maneuver since he took the nation’s helm both increased his authority within the Communist Party and escalated the risks of its legitimacy.
The corruption probe made public yesterday of Zhou Yongkang, the former state security chief and ally of ousted Chongqing party boss Bo Xilai, demonstrated the confidence of Xi, 61, in his sway over senior leaders. The move capped a 18-month campaign against Zhou’s networks of influence through the party, national oil company and security forces.