Part 4/8:
After several years of cautious maneuvering through the political hierarchy, Xi consolidated power upon his ascent to General Secretary, marking the start of an extensive anti-corruption campaign. This campaign initially seemed aimed at rooting out corruption within the party but quickly revealed a deeper agenda—eliminating potential threats from other princelins, notably figures like Bo Xilai, and maneuvering to establish absolute power.
Notably, Xi's purge of prominent figures, including Bo Xilai, left a void in the ranks of the red elite, marked by Xi’s singular focus on consolidating his authority. By sidelining these once-privileged insiders, Xi sought to create a political landscape dominated by loyalty over legacy.