In July, the Jamestown Foundation commented that “speculation is growing about a power struggle at the top of the Chinese Communist Party.” New regulations recently made public are “a clear sign of change in how the leadership makes policy.”
This announcement has led to two widely conflicting interpretations of “its implications for Xi Jinping’s power. One interpretation sees the regulations as evidence of Xi enhancing his vertical control over the system, while another reading sees him being constrained by the rest of the leadership. If Xi’s power remains supreme, the new regulations signal tighter control, allowing him to more effectively drive his agenda and giving more formal authority to Cai Qi.”
But on the other hand “if the regulations are an attempt to bind Xi to formal mechanisms, the move to institutionalise the organisations… could signal that other parts of the leadership are wresting some power from Xi and forcing him to abide by bureaucratic procedure.”
What We (Don't) Know
To those of us outside of China this kind of situation is mysterious and confusing. What we do know is that on June 30, Xi Jinping chaired a meeting of the Politburo to consider a new set of rules governing certain influential Party bodies. What we do not know is the significance of the meeting.
“The meeting has drawn attention because of what it might signal about Xi’s hold on power. As internal and external problems continue to mount for the CCP, two lines of analysis have swelled in volume, each painting a strikingly different picture. One posits that Xi Jinping himself is under fire and is engaged in a struggle to retain his position as supreme leader. The other views Xi as continuing to implement a system tailored to execute his specific policy ambitions. Either analytic line is an attempt to make a call on what appears to be an ongoing and evolving political struggle within the CCP’s leadership.”
What We Can Do
Even if the experts and the commentators disagree, yet we as believers in prayer can be very clear as to how we should respond. The Apostle Paul's instructions concerning our attitude to political leaders in our own or other nations are very clear. In 1 Timothy 2:1-5 Paul says:
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.”
Paul's logic is very clear. We should pray for political leaders so that they may govern well. That will result in the removal of at least some of the obstacles to the gospel being preached all over China. Paul is very clear as to our response - “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting” (1 Tim 2:8).
Pray for the Chinese Politburo and other leaders that their discussions and policies would result in good government.
Pray with renewed zeal for China, that many would be “saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.”
Pray for Chinese church leaders in these days, to have wisdom and anointing in encouraging the preaching of the Gospel.
Source: The Jamestown Foundation article “Divergent Implications for Xi’s Power From New Party Regulations.”
