Chinese Communist Party Faces Internal and External Challenges Amidst Low Public Support

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), led by General Secretary Xi Jinping, is currently navigating a series of internal and external challenges that highlight the complexities of its rule. Recent data suggests that public support for the CCP and Xi Jinping may be lower than what official figures indicate. This discrepancy raises questions about the true level of popularity and legitimacy of the party among the Chinese populace.

In a significant development, Beijing has been urging various sectors to boost the image and prosperity of Hong Kong. Xia Baolong, Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs, reaffirmed the ‘one country, two systems’ policy during a meeting with Benjamin Keswick of Jardine Matheson. This move is part of broader efforts to stabilize and enhance the economic and social landscape of Hong Kong.

The CCP is also dealing with internal corruption issues. Zhong Ziran, the former head of the China Geological Survey, has been charged with bribery and leaking state secrets, making him the most senior natural resources official to face such allegations in recent months. Additionally, Yao Haijun, the deputy editor-in-chief of Science Fiction World, has been accused of ‘severe violations of party discipline and the law’.

Security concerns are another area of focus for the CCP. The Ministry of State Security has warned that foreign agents are targeting Chinese space scientists and researchers to steal sensitive information, posing a threat to China’s space program). This comes as China continues to develop its technological capabilities, including a blueprint for creating a ‘top-tier industrial technical workforce’ by 2035).

Externally, the CCP is facing scrutiny and strategic challenges. The U.S. has identified the CCP as a significant threat, with internal Department of Homeland Security messages revealing that China saw Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as a target for their influence operations in the U.S. before his VP pick). This highlights the ongoing strategic competition between the U.S. and China.