As the Communist Party’s National Congress approaches, reports circulate that President Xi Jinping will be given the title “Chairman,” which was given to the founder of the People’s Republic of China and then-Supreme Leader Mao Zedong six decades ago.
This means Xi could lead China for life, with consolidated and bigger powers. Given Xi’s autocratic governance over the past nine years, the development brings bad news for minority communities, civil society, and the general public, who are subjected to invasive surveillance and a lack of freedom of speech.
Indefinite power can even bring back political violence and the cult of personality of the Mao era. The reformist leader of China, Deng Xiaoping, had in 1982 brought reforms to put an end to authoritarian rule, which enforced a limit of two terms for the presidency. However, Xi in 2018 made constitutional changes to allow himself to be the president of China for life.
The upcoming National Congress, slated to be held on October 16, is going to see the 69-year-old Xi formally taking over the reins for the third time and becoming undisputable and unchallengeable. It would also kill the concept in Chinese politics called “qi shang ba xia,” which means leaders aged above 68 must retire.
The Chinese Communist Party and news media are pumping up patriotic rhetoric, listing Xi’s “glorious” achievements and urging people to fight for his “greatest dream” of Chinese nation revitalization. Global observers claim Xi is trying to reach the height in China’s modern politics that was so far only enjoyed by Mao. However, some suggest he wants to
surpass Mao.
