Unprecedented CCP shake-up: Xi’s inner circle gets a jolt

Chinese President Xi Jinping has unexpectedly swapped roles of Politburo members Li Ganjie and Shi Taifeng. This significant move, seen as part of Xi’s strategy to consolidate power ahead of the 2027 party congress, puts Li in charge of the United Front Work Department and Shi the Organisation Department, signaling Xi’s ongoing drive to eliminate rivals and reinforce loyalty.