An plaque in the Palace of Heavenly Purity said to have been used by emperors during the Qing dynasty to conceal the name of successors. (Photo by Yusuke Hinata)

Loyalty race: Xi's 'secret crown prince' confounds loyalists

China's group leadership system shatters as yes men wonder who is next in line

Nikkei staff writers

November 4, 2022 15:25 JST

BEIJING -- In addition to surrounding himself with staunch loyalists at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party, President Xi Jinping further concentrated power in his own hands, making it difficult for the nation to speculate on a potential successor.

"I think Xi is thinking of a secret crown prince," said a person connected to the party.

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