In China, the possibility of political reform and nationalization of the military under the new generation of leaders seems remote.
Over the weekend, Beijing-based journalist Gao Yu published an analysis of a leaked speech given by President Xi Jinping during his southern tour last month that appears to throw cold water on hopes for reform.
South China Morning Post journalist John Kennedy wrote Monday that Gao's take on the yet-to-be-released speech to the Communist Party faithful "suggests Xi … has even less intention of initiating political reforms – namely, nationalization of the military – than [former President] Hu Jintao did when he took over as chairman of the Central Military Committee in 2004."
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American journalist and longtime China observer John Pomfret tweeted that the speech, once it is released, will spell the end of the "honeymoon with China's liberals."
GlobalPost's senior correspondent for China, Benjamin Carlson, said that Xi's speeches have been causing quite the stir.
"Up to this point, [Xi has] made some impressively bold early statements about cracking down on corruption and liberalizing the economy," Carlson said.
But, he continued, what these speeches make plain is that he is fully committed to maintaining and strengthening the CCP's authoritarian grip.
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"In a way, this is not actually surprising: the Communists have shown no sign of opening up to political reform. But it's still disappointing, especially to those within China — including some Party members — who were hoping that Xi would lead to more sweeping change."