China's 'Red Aristocrats' Face Challenges Under Xi Jinping's Rule

In modern Communist China, a privileged elite known as the "red aristocrats" have long enjoyed unparalleled access and influence in every aspect of society. These descendants of revolutionaries who fought alongside Mao Zedong and the children of those who ran China after the 1949 Communist takeover have been compared to the "blue-blood aristocrats" of medieval Western societies.

Xi Jinping, the current general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and president of China, is described as the epitome of this exclusive group. Born into a prominent revolutionary family, Xi was segregated from normal society and groomed for power due to his bloodline. However, under his rule, the relationship between the red aristocrats has become complicated.

Since taking power, Xi has sought to consolidate his own authority and diminish the sway of other prominent red families. He has dealt harshly with members of the clan who have shown opposition or voiced criticism of him, while elevating bureaucrats from outside the red bloodlines to the CCP's central power functions.

The red aristocrats have also suffered significant economic losses under Xi's rule. He has targeted their wealth and prevented them from amassing new riches, leading to a loosening of the red aristocracy's long-term hold on political power in China.

Why this matters: The challenges faced by China's red aristocrats under Xi Jinping's rule have significant implications for the country's political landscape. As Xi consolidates power and weakens the influence of other prominent families, it could lead to a change in the equilibrium of power within the Chinese Communist Party and potentially impact China's future direction.

Desmond Shum, who compares the red aristocrats to medieval Western blue-blood aristocrats, highlights the exclusivity and privilege enjoyed by this elite group. However, as Xi Jinping's actions demonstrate, even the most powerful families are not immune to the shifting currents of politics in China. The future of the red aristocrats and their role in shaping the country's trajectory remains uncertain as Xi continues to assert his dominance.

Key Takeaways

• China's "red aristocrats" are descendants of Communist revolutionaries with outsized influence.
• Xi Jinping, a red aristocrat, has sought to consolidate power and diminish their sway.
• Xi has targeted the red aristocrats' wealth, leading to a loosening of their political hold.
• The challenges faced by red aristocrats could change the power dynamics within the CCP.
• The future role of China's red aristocrats remains uncertain as Xi asserts his dominance.