Xi Jinping domestic power consolidation in China

Chinese leader Xi Jinping is pursuing domestic power consolidation through both cultural and political mechanisms.

On the cultural front, the government has implemented ‘Sinicization’ policies via new laws regarding ‘ethnic unity.’ These measures mandate the use of the Mandarin language to strengthen national identity, a move Beijing claims will improve economic prospects for the 125 million people belonging to 55 ethnic and religious minorities. However, critics and human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International, describe the policy as “forced assimilation into a conformist monoculture” that threatens the traditions of groups including Tibetans, Mongols, and Uyghurs.

Simultaneously, political consolidation is being reinforced through internal party dynamics. Reports regarding the Beidaihe Meeting indicate a focus on personnel appointments and leadership preparation. This is accompanied by an intensification of anti-corruption measures and purges within the Chinese Communist Party. Since 2013, hundreds of thousands of officials have been targeted by disciplinary actions, a trend observers suggest aims to secure absolute authority despite potential risks of internal dissatisfaction.