Xi Loyalist Ousted in Baoding; Rival Faction Gains Ground
On May 25, 2026, Dang Xiaolong was replaced by Zhao Wenfeng as party secretary of Baoding, indicating a shift in power dynamics favoring rival factions. This personnel change is significant as Baoding oversees Xi Jinping's key political projects, raising concerns about Xi's control over critical political appointments.

On May 25, 2026, Zhao Wenfeng replaced Dang Xiaolong as Baoding's party secretary, a position critical to Xi Jinping's initiatives, including the Xiong'an megaproject and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei integration. This change suggests a weakening grip on the party by Xi, as Zhao is aligned with the faction of the late Li Keqiang.
The party secretary's role is pivotal, holding responsibilities for both the Xiong'an project and the garrison of the 82nd Army Group. The appointment of Zhao, facilitated by Hebei's new personnel chief Ge Qiaohong, challenges the perception of Xi's unassailable control, indicating a strategic shift in power dynamics within the CCP that could impact Xi's broader political agenda.




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