How Xi Jinping ensured complete control of China — for as long as he wishes
As we lined up at Tiananmen Square on a smoggy Beijing winter afternoon this Sunday, there was a sense among the few hundred journalists from China and abroad that we were about to witness something momentous.
This was in itself unusual. The annual March gathering of China’s parliament — the Communist Party of China (CPC)-approved National People’s Congress (NPC) — is rarely ever the scene of any excitement. For two weeks, CPC-selected lawmakers sing paeans to the party. There is no real debate or dissent. Covering the event, needless to say, hardly sets the pulse racing.
On Sunday, however, China was about to take a major step that could potentially change the course of both its history and relations with the world.
Two weeks before the NPC convened, the CPC announced it had proposed an amendment to the Constitution ending a two term limit for the president, paving the way for President Xi Jinping to enjoy an extended tenure at the helm.
Xi took over as general secretary of the CPC and chair of the Central Military Commission of the People’s Liberation Army in 2012, and as President in March 2013. His first two posts are the main source of his power, and the presidential position has been mainly relevant in representing China internationally. His party and PLA posts do not have term limits, but because of the 10 year presidential limit that was introduced by then leader Deng Xiaoping in 1982 to prevent the rise of another Mao, Xi’s two predecessors Jiang Zemin and Huy Jintao gave up all three posts after two five-year terms.
This unique system distinguished China from other autocracies by institutionalising “collective leadership” and not allowing one man (there are few women at the top of the CPC) to hold all power. But this amendment would end all that, overturning a 36-year rule.
Xi walked in to the stage at the massive Great Hall of the People looking assured, and as the 2,963 present lawmakers cast their ballot, the journalists were made to temporarily leave the hall.
Ten minutes later, we were called in. On a blue screen, the result flashed: of 2,963 present lawmakers, 2,958 supported the change, with two opposing and three abstaining.
The deed was done, and Xi has now ensured complete and indefinite control of China’s three key institutions — for as long as he wishes.
(Courtesy of Mail Today)