[RoosterRedux]

It's complicated, but Xi has installed his people (very loyal to him) in the CCP Central Military Commission (Xi is chairman BTW), in the military leadership itself, and throughout the CCP.

He's got a lock on it.

China isn't politically unstable in any way. The U.S. for the last 200 years is more of a banana republic than China is right now.

[ifinnegan]

Yes. I agree with your analysis of Xi’s consolidation of power.

Banana republic. Civilian leader is the one who has backing of the military.

Deng Xiaoping was president of the bridge club but was what was called paramount leader because he had the backing of the military.

I’m not sure what you mean China is not “politically unstable in any way”.

It’s inherently unstable. Conferring “stability” by force is not stability.

Your comments on the U.S. over the last 200 years vs China are so ludicrous I just rather ignored them.