In a historic move, China’s parliament has endorsed Xi Jinping for a third term as the country’s president.
The 69-year-old secured the unprecedented five-year term during a session of the National People’s Congress on Friday, receiving unanimous approval from the 2,952 members present.
Xi came to power in 2013 and with this new term, he becomes the longest-serving head of state of Communist China since its establishment in 1949.
The power of the office of the president is largely ceremonial. The real control of the Chinese government rests with the head of the Communist Party and Central Military Commission (CMC).
Currently, Xi holds both positions and begins his second decade of power amidst a reshuffle of leadership roles in the state council, China’s central government, and other organizations, aimed at consolidating his control of the country’s politics.
In the coming days, various ministers and a premier of the country are expected to be named.
As part of his efforts to cement his power, Xi is expected to fill the incoming cabinet with his loyalists, including Li Qiang, who is tipped to serve as his number two.
This move comes as no surprise, as Xi has been known for his anti-corruption campaign and consolidation of power, which has seen him remove high-ranking officials and replace them with loyalists.
In other votes by the NPC, Han Zheng was confirmed as the new vice-president, while Zhao Leji was named the new parliament chair. Both men were from Xi’s previous team of party leaders at the Politburo Standing Committee.
Xi’s third term as president is set to bring significant changes to China’s political landscape, and it remains to be seen what his plans for the country entail.
However, with his consolidation of power and loyalists in key positions, it is clear that Xi is firmly in control of China’s political agenda.
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