Xi: “Paramount” and “Permanent” Leader

The China Communist Party, which often titles Xi Jinping China’s “paramount” leader, amended its party constitution last fall and added his name and his thoughts on “socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era.” The nation’s People’s Congress just amended the national constitution with the same language (Xi Jinping thought) and made him the “permanent” leader. The term limits and collective leadership reforms of Deng Xiaoping have been ruled outdated to the circumstances and needs of the new global China.

Xi’s vision of an aggressive China with global aspirations now dominates all aspects of China.

Xi Wants to be Leader of the Unfree World

• One person, one party rule. A party reinvigorated and expanded in reach. He believes it’s a model for others to follow.
• Xi’s version of state-controlled economy and state industries with markets in specific areas, some but limited reform. Barrier to foreign entry and protectionist policies remain.
• New technologies of surveillance and digital repression. Little civic space, narrow room to criticize, no ability to communicate to like-minded.
• Marginalize, isolate and purge opponents, often in the name of corruption
• Project on aggressive, intimidating regional foreign policy with carrots and sticks, such as Belt and Road and South China Sea Islands.
• Claim to be ready for center stage of the world as a globalist, environmentalist advocate
• Believes Western democracies are dispirited, divided, distracted and withdrawing

Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) with other
delegates at the opening of the first Plenary Session of the 13th National
People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People (GHOP) in Beijing,
March 5, 2018 | EPA-EFE