Xi goes all-in with power grab

Chinese President Xi Jinping is consolidating his power through a fierce anti-corruption campaign. By doing so, he is risking his own well-being.

When Xi attends outdoor events, he often replaces the several hundred security officers deployed to protect him just five minutes before events begin. He does not trust the guards to be loyal.

During the just-ended annual session of the National People's Congress, a woman placed a cup of tea on Xi's table. Two male officers, apparently security agents, closely watched the woman's behaviour.

There are nearly 20 occasions in several years which raise serious concerns about the safety of the leader's life, according to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.

In China, all-out political battles for power usually unfold behind-the-scenes. The outcomes of such struggles often come to light in a dramatic manner. China has a long history of bloody power struggles and frequent changes at the top.

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