China's Communist Party Upcoming Meeting to Likely Give Third Five Years Term for XI Jinping

Xi Jinping, probably the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong in the 1970s, will likely be given a third five-year term by China's ruling Communist Party. The decision, which follows the removal of a two-term limit in 2018, would further strengthen his hold on China. Besides, it's possible that 69-year-old Mr. Xi will hold onto power till the end of his days. Furthermore, the historic move is due at the Communist Party Congress, one of the most significant meetings in the party's history, which will take place in Beijing starting October 16.

Xi Jinping is in three top positions right now

Mr. Xi currently serves as the chief of the Communist Party of China as General Secretary. Being president, he also serves as China's head of state. And, lastly, he is in charge of China's military forces as Chairman of the Central Military Commission. In the nation, he is also known as the Supreme or Paramount leader. Additionally, Mr. Xi is certain to retain the first two positions—party General Secretary and Central Military Commission chairman at the party congress—which takes place every five years, and the presidency at the annual National People's Congress in Spring 2023.

What occurs at China's Communist Party Congress?

The Great Hall of the People on Tiananmen Square will see a gathering of approximately 2,300 delegates for about a week. Additionally, the Communist Party will choose about 200 of them to serve on the party's central committee, and about 170 alternate members. Also, the central committee will select 25 members of the party's Politburo. And the Politburo will appoint the members of the Politburo standing committee. Currently, there are seven members, including Xi Jinping, the party's General Secretary. Interestingly, all of them are men. Furthermore, the day following the main congress' end, the central committee is anticipated to convene.

Why is the Communist Party Congress crucial?

Mr. Xi will be in charge of the second-largest economy and one of the most powerful armed forces in the world. Moreover, in a third five-year term, some commentators predict that he would drive China closer to an authoritarian political system. According to Professor Steve Tsang of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at London University, "China under Xi is moving in a totalitarian direction." Tsang elaborate, "China under Mao was a totalitarian system. We're not there yet, but we're moving in that direction." On another note, Professor Tsang remarks that the party constitution may alter at the Congress, with "Xi Jinping thought" becoming formally established as the party's guiding principle.

What is "Xi Jinping thought"?

"Xi Jinping thought" is Mr. Xi's version of Chinese socialism, an assertively nationalist philosophy that has little faith in the free market. Besides, the Chinese government has taken tough measures against influential companies across a number of economic sectors under his leadership. "If that happens, they'll effectively make him a dictator," Prof. Tsang predicted. Also Read- Biden Says He Warned Xi of Investment Cooling If China Continues Backing Putin

Conclusion

The Communist Party Congress will announce the top leadership team of China, which will set a wide range of policies. Lastly, the world will keenly monitor China's future course, especially with regard to the major issues of economics, politics, diplomacy, and the environment.