When Xi Jinping welcomed the new year in Beijing, he called on China to remember the legacy of Yan'an, the rural stronghold where Mao Zedong transformed revolutionary guerrillas into a disciplined force that would later seize the nation. This could have been an indication of the forthcoming actions. Yan'an was also the site where Mao launched his first major 'rectification' campaign, a political terror initiative that eliminated rivals and consolidated his absolute authority over the Communist Party.

Three weeks after Xi's speech, China effectively purged the military's top commander, General Zhang Youxia, once a close confidant of Xi. Like Mao, Xi seeks a form of spiritual renewal for the party and the military he leads, which he describes as a constant 'self-revolution.' This approach has manifested in a relentless purge of enemies, allies, and now also members of his inner circle, indicating a new level of cruelty in his consolidation of power.

The implications of such a purge extend beyond mere political strategy; they reflect Xi's desire to establish a regime where loyalty is paramount and dissent is not tolerated. By eliminating figures within his command structure, Xi aims to strengthen his position at the helm of the Communist Party, ensuring that his vision for China's future remains uncontested. The parallel between Xi and Mao raises concerns among analysts regarding the potential for increased oppression and the chilling effects such purges could have on political discourse in China.