In China, a Forbidden Question Looms: Who Leads After Xi?
In China, a Forbidden Question Looms: Who Leads After Xi?

Xi Jinping seems to believe that only his continued rule can secure China’s rise. But as he ages, choosing a successor will become riskier and more difficult.
Read the full article on NY Times World
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article's central premise revolves around the uncertainty of succession in China after Xi Jinping, a topic inherently speculative. While the sources don't directly contradict the idea of succession challenges, they primarily focus on other issues like TikTok bans and historical analyses, making direct verification difficult. The article exhibits a moderate bias by framing Xi's leadership as potentially problematic due to his age and the succession question.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Xi Jinping seems to believe that only his continued rule can secure China’s rise.
- Assessment: Unverified. This is an interpretation of Xi Jinping's motivations and beliefs, and no provided source directly confirms or denies this.
- Claim: As he ages, choosing a successor will become riskier and more difficult.
- Assessment: Unverified. This is a speculative statement about the future. While the general concept of succession planning can be complex, no source directly addresses the risk or difficulty in China's specific case.
- Claim: The article is published on October 20, 2025.
- Assessment: Unverified. This is based on the URL provided. There is no way to verify this with the provided sources.