Asian Insider

Ahead of party conclave, Xi's grip on power is unshakable

The year 2022 has been especially challenging for Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has been criticised for missteps. PHOTO: REUTERS
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BEIJING - Last weekend, Twitter was abuzz with "news" that there had been a military coup in Beijing and President Xi Jinping was under house arrest.

The grist to the rumour mill: Hundreds of flights had been cancelled across the country, Mr Xi had not been seen in public for a week, and a video showing a military convoy making its way into the capital city was being widely circulated.

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