Reports of Zhou Yongkang being officially investigated is widespread. Most reports focused on the point that this is the highest-grade official being officially investigated since Gang of Four era. Some reports also pointed out that the word "comrade" was visibly missing when Zhou was mentioned. Some reports also stated that this was the result of consensus amongst the current leaders and retired leaders.
All these put together, it seems to suggest that Zhou's purge has received the blessings of former leaders like Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao.
However, it was commonly reported that under the theory of factionalism, Zhou was the protégé of Jiang. The fact that Zhou was able to reach the standing committee position was also surely as a result of abundance blessings from Jiang, then Hu. Would they have completely no knowledge of Zhou's doing?
Should Zhou truly be vindicated, would he be willing to accept all blames and draw a clear line from his former benefactors? As Xi constantly sends the message that he will clamp down on both small flies and big tigers, would the senior retired leaders be fearful that after Zhou, who will be next?
China politics is getting more exciting as Xi has taken a path that no one expected at all before his ascension to the throne. Hence, everything could become a surprise. Xi might go beyond Zhou to hit on Zhou's previous masters, since most of these masters would have no more control in the administration. Alternatively, these could all be staged to demonstrate the determination of the Xi administration to be clean and transparent. If the latter is true, then more retired senior standing committee would live their remaining days in fear.
Opinion by Wong Teck Yenn
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