March 10 – Follows a consolidation of power that has made Xi, 69, China’s most dominant leader in generations.
In the Chinese system of government, the functions of the president are largely ceremonial.
Mr. Xi’s power stems from his being the General Secretary of the Communist Party and Chairman of the Central Military Commission.
Confirmation of his third term as president was widely expected. The appointment of a new prime minister and several ministers in the coming days is considered more important.
All the new appointees are expected to be loyal to Xi Jinping. This includes Li Qiang, who is destined to serve as Mr. Xi’s number two.
Xi has solidified his rule as China reopens from its zero-covid policy that has fueled anti-government protests.
The so-called Two Sessions of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) this week are being closely watched as they provide a glimpse of China’s direction in the coming years.
Before Xi, leaders in China had been limited to two terms. When he changed this restriction in 2018, he made him a figure with a reach not seen since Chairman Mao.
