China’s Xi secures unprecedented third term. On Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping was elected to an unprecedented third term as president.
In this month’s largely ceremonial parliamentary meeting, known as the “Two Sessions,” Xi was widely expected to retain his presidency. The annual gathering commemorates the meetings of an advisory group and the National People’s Congress.
Delegates to the congress formally reappointed Xi as chairman of the Central Military Commission on Friday.
Xi rose through China’s political ranks, becoming president in 2013 and abolishing term limits in 2018.
At the Chinese Communist Party’s 20th National Congress in October, Xi consolidated his control of the ruling party by filling the highest circle of leadership with loyalists.
Zhao Leji, a member of that core group in charge of party discipline, was formally appointed chairman of the National People’s Congress’ standing committee on Friday.
Top leaders of the Chinese Communist Party are elected to government positions such as president and premier after twice-decade party congresses.
China’s Xi secures unprecedented third term as president. However, on Saturday, delegates will vote on China’s new Prime Minister. (Also Read: China’s Xi has ordered military to be ready for Taiwan invasion by 2027)
On Monday, Xi is scheduled to speak at the parliamentary meeting’s closing ceremony. Later that day, the new premier will hold a press conference.
Han Zheng, previously executive vice premier, was appointed vice president on Friday. Wang Qishan had previously held the position.
Delegates approved a proposal to restructure the State Council, China’s top executive body, on Friday.
A draft of the plan was released earlier this week and comes as the ruling Communist Party of China is expected to significantly increase its direct control of the government.\
Deputies of the National People’s Congress voted unanimously for the re-election of Xi Jinping as the President of the People’s Republic of China. He also again headed the Central Military Council of the country. pic.twitter.com/lIt7shRbOD
— Donbass Devushka (@PeImeniPusha) March 10, 2023
