Xi is further strengthening his position in Chinese politics and society, but there are also big challenges ahead.
The leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China is appointed by the President Xi Jinping as expected for a third term.
Xi was appointed General Secretary of the Communist Party. In addition, he was again appointed as the head of the Chinese Armed Forces.
It is the first time that a president is appointed for a third term in China. With the appointment, Xi further strengthens his position in Chinese politics and society.
At the party meeting that ended yesterday, the Prime Minister Li Keqiang resigned from his position. It is estimated that President Xi fulfills the central functions of the country and the party with his trusted people.
In addition to Xi, six members were appointed to the Politburo, or leadership group, of the Communist Party of China. The management team is the leading body responsible for China’s policy and major decisions.
Xi removed the presidential two-term limit in 2018, allowing him to rule indefinitely.
Despite this, Xi faces major challenges in the next five years, such as managing the country’s indebted economy and increased competition with the United States.
– China cannot develop without the world, and the world also needs China. After more than 40 years of unremitting reform and opening-up efforts, we have achieved two miracles: rapid economic development and long-term social stability, Xi told reporters after his appointment.
A new, loyal guard
The new composition of the Politburo Standing Committee was widely seen as a confirmation of Xi’s firm grip on the party and China. Four new members were elected to the committee.
The 63-year-old chosen as the second name of the committee will become prime minister Li Qiang, who is considered Xi’s confidant. He is likely to be appointed prime minister at the annual cabinet meetings in March.
Li, who served as party chief of Shanghai, led the city’s two-month corona lockdown earlier this year. He has also previously worked as a chief of staff. His election was held BBC’s (switching to another service) surprising, among other things, because he has never served in China’s State Council and never served as deputy prime minister.
Li’s predecessor, Li Keqiang, who left the Standing Committee, had been seen as a moderate counterweight to Xi. The upper age limit for becoming a member of the Politburo has been considered to be 68 years, for which the 67-year-old Li Keqiang could have continued in his career. President Xi himself is 69 years old.
According to the BBC, other members of the committee also – Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang mixed Li Xi – are under the age of 68 and trusted by President Xi.
CNN (switch to another service) also pointed out that this time there is not a single female member of the entire 24-member Politburo, from which the committee members are elected – for the first time in 25 years.
Story supplemented with additional information at 9.40am.
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