- China’s annual, secretive Beidaihe summer retreat appears to have started — signalled by Xi’s close aide Cai Qi being in town — sparking the usual rumours about elite power jockeying ahead of an important October party meeting.
- The seaside resort draws tight security, drone/boat bans and a media hush, earning comparisons to Camp David and becoming summer’s “silly season” for political gossip.
- Analysts say real bargaining is limited because Xi has consolidated power; the focus is expected to be on internal discipline, personnel moves and domestic economic pressures ahead of the October conclave.
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