CHINA-LEADERSHIP: REPORTS OF DETENTIONS OF SENIOR PLA AND CCP LEADERS AND LETTER ADDRESSED BY 'PRINCELINGS' TO CCP MEMBERS URGING XI JINPING'S OUSTER
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Rumours have been circulating in Beijing that Chinese President Xi Jinping has been having
serious problems with senior sections in the CCP leadership. On January 5 a report from
Hongkong claimed that ex-President Hu Jintao's son Hu Haifung, who was said to be due for
elevation as a central Vice Minister, had 'disappeared' and been missing for two days. His name
is banned on the Chinese internet. Around the same time, other reports said former Vice
Chairman of the CMC and PLAAF Commander Xu Qiliang had been placed under detention
and is under investigation. Former PLAAF Commander Ding Laiheng is reportedly also under
investigation for corruption in construction of an airfield in Beijing. Reports also claim that
Liu He, till recently Chinese President Xi Jinping's economic advisor and probably one of his
oldest, trusted friends, has been arrested. Liu He has not been seen in public for three weeks
and his arrest is said to be the result of discussions with Liu Yuan, son of former Chinese
President Liu Shaoqi, to stop Xi Jinping's personal dictatorship. An article in Taiwan's Liberty
Times (January 10) claimed that Liu Yuan is the 'leader' of the second generation 'Red
Princelings'.
ii) Meanwhile, General Liu Yuan, son of former Chinese President Li Xiannian, was placed
under detention. Reports say that he was instrumental in drafting and submitting a petition
signed by the 'princelings’ expressing displeasure with Xi Jinping and urging Xi Jinping's
removal. The petition has been addressed to all members of the CCP. Prominent among the
signatories are: Deng Xiaoping 's son Deng Pufang, Zhou Enlai's children, Chen Yun's children,
Marshal Ye Jianying's children, Hu Yaobang's son Hu Deping, Bo Xiali's siblings, etc. A
number of PLA Generals are said to be among those who have signed the petition.
(Comment: The 'princelings' have earlier too, in March 2020, called for Xi Jinping's removal.
Their calling again for Xi Jinping's removal together with a number of PLA Generals suggests
that problems are serious this time.)
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