Upcoming Chinese Communist Party Congress... Will Xi Jinping's 'Third Term' Be Confirmed?

Chinese President Xi Jinping Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Chinese President Xi Jinping's "third term" is gradually becoming more certain as he stands at a crossroads for extending his rule.

China's state-run news agency Xinhua reported on the 12th the communiqu? from the 7th Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (7th Plenum), held in Beijing from the 9th to the 12th, attended by 199 full members and 159 alternate members of the Central Committee. The Central Committee is the highest leadership body of the Communist Party of China. This 7th Plenum served as a final review in preparation for the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party (Party Congress) scheduled for the 16th.

The communiqu?, consisting of over 2,600 characters, mentioned President Xi a total of 14 times. It stated regarding the Party's achievements over the past five years, "The establishment of Comrade Xi Jinping's core position in the Party Central Committee and the whole Party (全黨), and the establishment of the guiding position of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, is the common aspiration of the entire Party, the entire military, and all ethnic peoples across the country."

It further emphasized, "The whole Party must deeply understand the decisive significance of the 'Two Establishes' and must carry out the 'Two Safeguards'." The 'Two Establishes' refer to establishing Xi Jinping's core position in the Party Central Committee and the whole Party, and establishing the guiding position of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era (Xi Jinping Thought). The 'Two Safeguards' mean resolutely safeguarding Xi Jinping's core position in the Party Central Committee and the whole Party, as well as safeguarding the authority and centralized, unified leadership of the Party Central Committee.

This content suggests that the upcoming Party Congress will be the occasion to confirm President Xi's third term, according to analysis.

President Xi became China's top leader following the 18th Party Congress held in 2012. Considering the unwritten rule of "power transfer after 10 years in office" observed during the tenures of Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao, he was expected to designate a successor and step down at this 20th Party Congress.

However, President Xi revealed his intention for lifelong rule by removing the two-term limit for the presidency at the 2018 National People's Congress, and it is anticipated that at this 20th Party Congress, he will extend his rule for another five years, launching Xi Jinping's third administration.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.