In many ways, the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China has been a somewhat anticlimactic event. Prior to the quinquennial meeting, there was a general sense among scholars and watchers of China that the congress would largely signal political and policy continuity. It has indeed largely reaffirmed the direction in which China was already heading. That said, the past week has shed greater light on what we can expect going ahead.
Xi’s unparalleled authority: First, the confirmation of the long-expected third term for Xi Jinping as CCP general secretary has underscored his unparalleled authority within the party-state system. Personnel appointments starting with the changes in the politburo and its standing committee to the appointments to the Discipline Inspection Commission also underline the extent of Xi’s authority.
Xi’s unparalleled authority: First, the confirmation of the long-expected third term for Xi Jinping as CCP general secretary has underscored his unparalleled authority within the party-state system. Personnel appointments starting with the changes in the politburo and its standing committee to the appointments to the Discipline Inspection Commission also underline the extent of Xi’s authority.