Chinese Communist Party Announcement Delay Sparks Speculation
On February 2, 2024, the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China caused a stir after delaying the date of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee. This announcement, or lack thereof, has led to widespread speculation and rumors about the reasons for the postponement and its potential implications.
The Third Plenary Session was originally scheduled to be held from September to November last autumn, but has been repeatedly delayed, prompting concern and conjecture from political analysts and the public alike. According to US media reports, the postponement may be linked to Peng Liyuan, the wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Hong Kong’s senior current affairs commentator Liu Ruishuo weighed in on the issue, suggesting that the delay might be due to Xi Jinping’s need to address certain personnel matters. While some rumors suggest that Peng Liyuan could be joining the Politburo, others believe that such a decision would need to be ratified during the plenary session.
Rumors about Peng Liyuan’s potential ascension have been fueled by her increased involvement in political activities and diplomatic functions. Her independent meetings with foreign guests and her active participation in diplomatic affairs have led some to speculate about her role in the future of Chinese politics.
Despite the widespread conjecture, some experts have dismissed the idea that Peng Liyuan could succeed Xi Jinping. Feng Chongyi, an associate professor at the University of Technology Sydney, has called such speculation “outrageous,” comparing it to the failed attempts by Mao Zedong to pass the throne to his own family members.
While some have suggested that the economic downturn in China could be a factor in the postponement of the plenary session, others have downplayed this possibility. Liu Ruishao believes that the CCP’s recent economic conferences indicate that concerns about the economy are being addressed, making it less likely that economic issues are the cause for the delay.
The delay has sparked curiosity and concern about the future of the Chinese Communist Party and the changes it might undergo in the coming months. With the outside world closely watching the developments within the party, the postponement of the plenary session has become a topic of intense interest and speculation.
Voice of Hope will continue to monitor these developments and provide further updates as the situation unfolds.