This is a great interview with Cai Xia, a former teacher at the Central Party School who was expelled from the CCP yesterday. In my experience, it is fairly representative of what a lot of people in the Chinese elite think. 1/ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/18/china-xi-jinping-facing-widespread-opposition-in-his-own-party-claims-insider

Most frank conversations I have with Chinese colleagues either go in a similar direction or hint at it. Yes, Xi Jinping has really alienated the elite in China. Which brings us back to the good old "too much hawkishness will weaken reformers in China" talking point 2/

Yes, there are "reformers" in China. They agree with me on some things and disagree on others. Their views are complex, as one would expect. The problem is Xi Jinping has instituted a system that makes it impossible for them to speak up and change the direction of the country 3/

So going along with the man who has silenced these people and failing to challenge the system is really what weakens reformers in China. Or, as Cai Xia puts it: 4/

"I think the international community can do more to fight China’s authoritarian system in terms of human rights by pushing for the first and most basic human right – freedom of speech." 5/

Failing to do so is what truly weakens reformers in China /end