The problem is that his ham-fisted approach begins to interfere with market so much that it drives growth down, possibly to the point of negative growth.
Our current regime has been trying the same thing to cement itself in power, but we have enough of a free market that the consequences are fairly obvious more quickly.
After reading the entire article, I realize that some really important information was not included in the intro.
“Entering his third term, Xi wants to show that he has overtaken Deng [Xioping] in terms of achievements. It is crucial to pave the way for a fourth term and possibly being leader for life.”
“Song has raised a red flag. Born in 1917, even before the Chinese Communist Party was established, the centenarian has signaled that Deng’s reform and opening-up policy is to be defended at all costs. It is an undaunted and politically dangerous move.”
Recent efforts were made to shut Song up, but the Gansu Daily, organ of that province made a point of printing Song’s recent statements in favor of reform and an opening-up policy. As a former head of Gansu Province, Song favors several younger men for future leadership.
“According to an intellectual born in Gansu and familiar with local politics, Song Ping is a good judge of character and elevated former President Hu Jintao, 79, and former Premier Wen Jiabao, 80, to posts in Beijing after both men had served in the province.”
Song’s current “message is to warn Xi against going too far with his policies and personnel changes and instead promote a younger leader who defends the reform and opening-up policy to the Politburo Standing Committee. Among the current candidates, only one fits the model: Vice Premier Hu Chunhua, 59,” formerly of Gansu Province.
“Xi took his time before making a public appearance after returning from his trip to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. He should have been busy with preparations for his final showdown with his political foes.”
“Song’s message, which reflects the structure of the current power struggle in China, is undoubtedly a big headache for Xi.” Other important recommendations by Song have been ignored for a while, but eventually implemented. It will be well worth watching to see how this power struggle develops.