Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered mixed signals in his recent speeches. On the one hand, Xi vowed to “never allow any individual or any force to separate the Chinese Communist Party from the Chinese people”, but on the other hand he promised to open up wider to the world.

Cai Xia, a former professor at the elite Central Party School in Beijing, said the West’s move to separate the CCP from its people has shaken Xi’s rule, while China’s economic slump is forcing Xi to open the country’s doors.

Speaking on the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II on Sep. 3, Xi brought up five points which China will “never allow”, including never allowing “any individual or any force to counterpose the Party to the Chinese people.”

His strong-worded speech was believed to be made in response to the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s remarks in July, where he said the U.S. must also “engage and empower the Chinese people...who are completely distinct from the CCP”.

Cai, a former high-ranking CCP member who was recently expelled for criticizing the regime, noted the clear distinction between Beijing and its people in the recent criticism from U.S. officials. “This marks a huge change in Western countries’ policies and strategies towards China. Xi fears this kind of distinction, which is why he must prevent such voices from reaching mainland China.”

As soon as Chinese people realize how the CCP hinges on the people, they will experience an awakening and Xi knows he can no longer rule by then, Cai analyzed.

The U.S.-based scholar also believed it is possible to separate supporters of Xi from the 90 million party members. “Firstly, this makes it easier to isolate them, which are a small minority in the party. Secondly, if separated, Xi can then no longer control the whole party, which will give other branches of power a chance to topple him.”

Cai pointed out that Xi’s recent pledge to foster an open and inclusive environment was nothing but a lie to the Chinese people.

“The three main drivers of China’s economy - export, investment and consumption - have been in a complete stand-still since last year,” Cai continued. “China cannot tackle its large-scale unemployment crisis without opening its doors to the world.”

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