Xi Reappears, but does Hu want to stay on?
Some fascinating reporting about how the upcoming Chinese leadership transition appears to have created turmoil within the top levels of the CCP. The author suggests that Hu Jintao has no desire to step down and may be inflaming tensions over the Senkakus as part of that strategy. Another view attributes the conflicts with Japan to growing military control over China's foreign policy as the civilian leaders squabble.
Quote:
Some political insiders say Mr. Hu is escalating the disputes over several islands to make the case that he needs to stay on. State television has had nightly reports about China’s inalienable claim to the islands also claimed by Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines. A campaign to push the military to pledge its loyalty to the party has also been used to bolster support for his leadership. Some commentaries in military newspapers have called on officers to unify around the party led by Mr. Hu.
“Hu Jintao is not ready to yield power,” said the scholar. “This is being done to serve his politics.”
Some others, however, have a slightly different view. They say the power struggles have weakened civilian control, which has already slipped in recent years. This has allowed the military to push its agenda, including enforcing territorial claims.
“This has allowed the military and hard-liners to run foreign policy,” said a Beijing-based academic with ties to the leadership.
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Whatever is happening, large anti-Japanese demonstrations certainly did not break out in over forty cities across China "spontaneously."