LANDMARK RESOLUTION

 Xi Xinping's Record 3rd Term

    A high-profile conclave of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) on Thursday adopted a "landmark resolution" of the party's "major achievements and historic experiences" in the last 100 years besides clearing the decks for a record third term for president Xi Xinping next year and perhaps beyond. It is only the third "historic resolution" issued by the CCP in its 100 year existence; the other two, in 1945 and 1981, cemented the supremacy of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping, respectively.

     The pleum, attended by about 400 Senior party leaders decided to advance next year's one-in-a-five-year party Congress to the middle of the year from towards the end where Xi's third term was formerly expected to be approved. In 2018, China's largely ceremonial parliament changed its rules to remove presidential term limits, paving way for Xi to potentially rule for life.

    Xi, 68, known as a 'prince ling' as he is the son of former vice premier Xi Zhongxun who was prosecuted by Mao for his liberal views, rose to ranks steadily becoming vice president under the previous president Hu Jintao. While he had the image of a sedate leader in his previous postings, he transformed himself into most ambitious and powerful leader soon after he took over leadership of the party in 2012 immediately followed by the presidency and Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the overall high command of the 2-million strong Chinese military. He emerged as "core leader" ending the collective leadership system followed by his predecessors.

    Politically the meeting is regarded as significant for Xi who - in the last 9 years of his tenure in power has significantly considered his power emerging as the most powerful leader Mao. The upcoming years are quite dynamics for Xi Xinping to take China in a new dimension.