Totalitarian leaders are known for their need to eliminate opposition and consolidate power.

Totalitarian leaders are known for their need to eliminate opposition and consolidate power. In history, leaders like Adolf Hitler in Germany and Saddam Hussein in Iraq resorted to violent purges to solidify their rule. This pattern is now being seen in China, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping. The recent purges within the Chinese Communist Party have been likened to Hitler’s infamous “Night of the Long Knives” and have sparked concerns about the country’s stability and readiness for potential military action.

The Night of the Long Knives was a crucial turning point in Hitler’s consolidation of power in 1930s Germany. In a swift and brutal action, he eliminated the SA, also known as the Brown Shirts, who had been instrumental in his rise to power. Similarly, President Xi has been carrying out a series of purges within the Chinese Communist Party, targeting high-ranking officials and military leaders. These actions, reminiscent of Hitler’s tactics, have raised concerns about the stability of the Chinese government.

In October 2022, President Xi orchestrated the unprecedented removal of his predecessor during the Party Congress, signaling the beginning of a wave of purges within the party. The purges continued with mass dismissals and disappearances of top military and government officials in what has been referred to as China’s own “Night of the Long Knives”. These actions have created a climate of fear and uncertainty within the CCP, mirroring the atmosphere in Germany during Hitler’s reign.

The recent purges have greatly undermined the Chinese military’s readiness for potential military action, especially in the context of tensions with Taiwan. Despite the internal turmoil, there are concerns that President Xi may still push for a reckless campaign in the Western Pacific, driven by his ambition to challenge the United States as the world leader.

The recent purges and power struggles within the Chinese Communist Party have not gone unnoticed on the international stage. China’s attempts to build a coalition to challenge American world leadership at the BRICS conference were disrupted by internal events and economic problems, reflecting the instability within the Chinese government. Furthermore, historic floods and economic challenges have added to the growing discontent among the Chinese populace.

President Xi’s quest for power and control, reminiscent of historical totalitarian leaders, has raised concerns about China’s stability and its potential for reckless military action. The purges within the CCP and the internal strife can have far-reaching implications not only for China but also for the rest of the world. As the world watches these developments, the repercussions of China’s Night of the Long Knives are yet to unfold. The world may be in for a tumultuous period as Xi continues to consolidate his power and pursue his ambitions on the global stage.