Xi Jinping's Power Shift: China's Digital Authoritarianism Evolves
The evolution of China's digital authoritarianism under Xi Jinping has significant implications for the country's future, as the CCP continues to shape public opinion and inter-subjectivity through emotional manipulation and algorithmic governance, raising questions about the potential for a power transition and the future of the party's leadership.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is reportedly delegating authority to key Communist Party organs, sparking speculation about a potential power transition or scaling back of his role, as his leadership style, characterized by centralized power and a highly personalized approach, faces strain due to economic troubles and visible dissent within the party.
Under Xi Jinping, China's digital authoritarianism has evolved, allowing for online dissent while maintaining control through emotional manipulation and algorithmic governance. The CCP shapes public opinion and inter-subjectivity, scripting, simulating, and absorbing dissent. The "Guangxi Girl" case and other viral protests are part of a calculated cycle, not signs of regime weakness. The CCP differentiates between public interest advocacy and public rights advocacy, permitting the former and punishing the latter.
Xi's consolidation of power extends beyond his personal authority, incorporating public health infrastructure and international flashpoints into ideological control. The CCP's digital regime governs not only speech but inter-subjectivity itself, with the goal of emotional channeling and mass internalization of party ideology. China's inter-network society remains colonized by state-directed norms, and Xi's power will not dissipate; the CCP's grip will continue to adapt and metastasize.
The delegation of authority is seen as a first in his over 12-year rule, and some analysts believe it may be a sign of preparations for his retirement. Others, however, think Xi may be focusing on larger issues and delegating powers to focus on them. Xi's plan to remain in power or share power was expected to unravel before or during the next five-year congress of the CPC in 2027.
As Xi Jinping's leadership faces challenges, the future of China's digital authoritarianism and the CCP's grip on power remain uncertain. The Fourth Plenary Session of the CCP may finalize plans for a leadership change, and Xi's withdrawal from international events and ceremonial roles has led many to speculate that his era may be nearing its end.