Jake'S View | Xi Jinping may be in over his head with anti-corruption crusade

Let's examine three scenarios here for what Mr Xi may be up against in either tigers, flies, or the whole range of species in between.

For scenario one, we shall take the cynical approach. We will say that he is cementing his power base by bringing selective corruption charges against rivals who have knives hidden behind their backs. The charges may be fully justified but their purpose is an exercise in palace politics, not a purge of corruption.

This scenario certainly fits the circumstances of many regimes that scorn the ballot box. Traditionally, you accuse your rival of being a Trotskyite, a capitalist roader or otherwise a deviationist from pure political thought. In today's context, a sex scandal or corruption charge will do as well.

I doubt, however, that this is what we have here. I am no reader of the Zhongnanhai tea leaves, but it strikes me that Xi has things pretty much under control. He has acceded to the presidency in the established formal manner, has already jailed at least one serious rival, and has seen the previous incumbent out the door. He doesn't need an anti-corruption drive to establish his authority.