How a Strike in Tehran Triggered Panic in Zhongnanhai

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Khamenei’s death in a precision U.S.–Israeli strike has sent shockwaves far beyond Iran. In Beijing, the impact may be deeper than many realize. Why did Xi Jinping suddenly slow down his military purge ahead of the Two Sessions? Why did state media abruptly begin emphasizing “people” and “democracy”? And why are senior CCP officials now openly referencing the collapse of the Soviet Union in internal discussions?
This analysis examines how Operation Epic Fury exposed structural vulnerabilities inside China’s leadership — from succession uncertainty and internal distrust to fears of intelligence penetration and regime instability. As U.S.–China tensions evolve and President Trump’s visit looms, Beijing faces a delicate balancing act.
Iran may be the battlefield — but the real story is how the shock is reshaping power calculations inside Zhongnanhai.

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