Factionalism in China on the Eve of the 19th Party Congress

The 19th Party Congress will reveal the extent of Xi’s political control throughout the state, as his loyal followers are predicted to be elevated into key positions – including within the PSC. It is important to note that while the Chinese state is officially a one-party state, its party members are not monolithic. Divergence in ideologies, policy preferences and socioeconomic backgrounds has led to the development of informal political networks, termed factions. Understanding the reasons for factionalism within China improves comprehension of internal Chinese politics, and rationalizes the reasons for individual ascent to power.