Xi Jinping will consolidate his power in the coming year

By James Miles

China’s leader, Xi Jinping, is fond of weather-related and nautical metaphors. He often talks of fierce storms that could impede the country’s rise. In recent months, Mr Xi has warned officials to brace for “numerous major tests” amid “high winds, rough seas and daunting waves”. These are certainly testing times for the team he installed in late 2022 and early in 2023 to help him navigate the country’s growing economic, diplomatic and social challenges. Two prominent members of the team have already fallen. The coming year will not be plain sailing for Mr Xi’s other underlings.