Xi Ping Makes third come back as Chinese President

Chinese President Xi Jinping at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in Beijing. Photograph: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images by Helen Davidson in Taipei Xi Jinping has been confirmed as leader of China for a precedent-breaking third term, after a week-long political meeting eliminated key rivals and strengthened his political power. The 20th Party Congress, the most important meeting of the ruling Chinese Communist party five-year political cycle, saw about 2,400 delegates gather in Beijing to rubber-stamp major reshuffles and constitutional changes before its official close on Saturday. At a press event on Sunday, the seven members of China’s most powerful political body, the politburo standing committee (PSC), were revealed as they walked on stage in order of rank. “I was reelected as the general secretary of the CPC central committee,” Xi said in opening remarks, before presenting the six other members: Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi. Double exposure photo showing a larger image of Xi superimposed on a smaller one. he is shown from the waist up standing against a red background Xi Jinping: from ‘counter-revolutionary’ to absolute power Read more At the lead was Xi, confirming his reappointment as general secretary of the party for a third term. The long-speculated reappointment signalled Xi’s successful and overwhelming consolidation of power in Beijing, with retention of the role as chair of the military commission, controlling the People’s Liberation Army. It’s expected he will next year regain the less powerful title of president. China must remain on high alert for challenges “like a student sitting for a never-ending exam”, Xi said, repeating earlier warnings of “choppy waters” and “dangerous storms” on the horizon. The language is heightened compared to previous Congresses, which were more focused on peace and development, and reflect how much more isolated China has become from the west, with numerous disputes and tensions. But he emphasises a need to keep relationships open. “China’s development can’t leave the world and the world’s development also needs China,” he said. In 2018 Xi spearheaded the abolition of term limits on leaders, paving the way for him to become leader for life. Massive anti-corruption purges during his tenure, and this week’s political reshuffles have ensured there is little, if any, opposition remaining. A list of delegates appointed to the 205-member central committee on Saturday revealed some of the most senior rivals to Xi, with links to other factions in the party and their own power base, had been shuffled into retirement. Resolutions announced on Saturday revealed constitutional changes enshrining Xi the individual and his political thought as the core of the CCP and its ideology, raising concerns of a growing Maoist “cult of personality” around Xi. Separate amendments cemented Beijing’s more aggressive stance on Taiwan in the party’s constitution. Where it previously listed Taiwan alongside Hong Kong and Macau as a place with which to “build solidarity”. It now only swears to “resolutely oppose and constrain Taiwan independence”.