[WashingtonSource]

In other words, the risk to the Party is that of a dynasty change. Let me just say that dynasty changes in China have tended to be very violent. The 1949 revolution saw millions executed in the immediate aftermath. Given the ruthlessness of the Party, its replacement would have to every bit as ruthless to prevent a counter-revolution.

It's hard to imagine what potential elements in society outside the military could muster the power that could lead to a dynasty change and how that new center of power might be as ruthless as the Communist Party has been.

[Zhang Fei]

It's hard to imagine what potential elements in society outside the military could muster the power that could lead to a dynasty change and how that new center of power might be as ruthless as the Communist Party has been.

Once a contender gets the ball rolling, party members and military men will join up if it looks like he's got a chance at winning.* Whatever the reality, it is said that Party members and military men used to believe in the Communism 100%. Now they believe in looking out for Number One.

As to ruthlessness, until the modern era, dynasty changes in China have involved having family members killed, together with their entire clans. The average Chinese isn't real squeamish about these things, and it's got nothing to do with Communism.

* All successful dynasty changes in China have worked on this model, including the Communist victory in 1949. The Communists recruited a lot of people from the Nationalist Party when it looked like they were winning.