Xi’s control over China’s former leaders suggests his is China’s most powerful leader since Mao. September 30, 2015 marked a new beginning in Chinese politics — the start of a new era in Xi Jinping’s authority. On this day, the State Council hosted a dinner celebrating the 66th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. In contrast to the past, when retired senior leaders were invited to join the current leaders to partake in the celebrative banquet, most of China’s previous leaders were absent this time. It is not that they were too old. Less than one month earlier,...
