Felling Jiang Zemin would cement Xi's power

Subject

Elite politics in China.

Significance

Indications are emerging that President Xi Jinping may be preparing to eliminate the still-powerful retired President Jiang Zemin by prosecuting him for corruption.

Impacts

• Economic and financial troubles will make demonstrations of success elsewhere all the more important, including anti-corruption efforts.
• Breaking Jiang's influence in the military could help Xi push through restructuring plans.
• Jiang is among China's best-known politicians internationally; publicly shaming him could hurt the image of the Party and the country.