Xi may push Party too far in asserting control

Subject

Elite politics in China.

Significance

Former oil executive Jiang Jiemin was sentenced to 16 years on October 12, becoming the latest high-level casualty of President Xi Jinping's vigorous anti-corruption campaign. Jiang is a protege of Zhou Yongkang, the most senior Chinese politician ever to be jailed in post-Mao China. Ahead of a Party plenum set for October 26-29, Xi's campaign shows no sign of abating, and there are rumours of dissension at the top levels of politics.

Impacts

• Xi's leadership style has already challenged many long-term conventions; he may challenge more.
• As the Party Congress approaches, the competition for the five top posts that become vacant will become an increasing priority.
• Slowing economic growth makes Xi's political strategy all the riskier.