China’s leader Xi Jinping has secured a historic third term as president from the country’s rubber-stamp parliament, capping a rise that has made him the nation’s most powerful figure in decades.
Following Xi’s agreement in October to serve another five years as leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), his appointment was approved by China’s rubber-stamp parliament.
Since then, the 69-year-old Xi has endured fierce opposition to his zero-Covid policy as well as the untold number of fatalities that resulted from its termination.
In the Chinese system of governance, the functions of the president are largely ceremonial.
Mr Xi’s power comes from him being General Secretary of the Communist Party and Chairman of the Central Military Commission.
Confirmation of his third term as president had been widely expected. The naming of a new premier and various ministers in the coming days is considered more important.
The new appointees are all expected to be Xi Jinping loyalists. This includes Li Qiang, who is tipped to serve as Mr Xi’s number two.
Mr Xi has solidified his rule as China reopens from his bruising zero-Covid policy that has fueled antigovernmental protests.
The so-called Two Sessions of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) this week is closely watched as it provides a glimpse into China’s direction in the coming years.
Prior to Mr Xi, leaders in China had been limited to two terms in office. When he had this restriction changed in 2018, it transformed him into a figure with a reach not seen since Chairman Mao.
