Aging Xi tightens grip on China’s ruling Communist Party
A recent Chinese Communist Party plenum emphasized President Xi Jinping's absolute control and the party's focus on internal discipline. Despite rumors regarding his health, the meeting reinforced Xi's central role in the party's leadership structure.
Why it matters
The consolidation of power under Xi Jinping signals a continuation of current domestic and foreign policy trajectories for China.
President Xi Jinping speaks at the fifth plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee held in Beijing on Thursday. Xie Huanchi/The Associated Press
When Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped a high-level dinner at a summit in India earlier this year, it sent a ripple of shock through China watchers the world over: After a ruthless, decades-long climb to the top, was the 73-year-old finally showing his age?
Since then, there has been widespread speculation over Mr. Xi’s health, much of it spurious . Beijing has not deigned to even deny such rumours, such is the sensitivity around discussing Mr. Xi’s personal life. But any political system faced with an aging leader reaching the end of what is already an unprecedented third term might be expected to start thinking about succession planning.
Headlinne story · 4 newsrooms
China Elevates Military General to Politburo and Expels Dozens
What every outlet reported, where they differ, and how each framed it →
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
China elevates a military general to the Politburo and seeks to strengthen party discipline
China ruling party says 'eliminated dangers' after 33 expelled
China elevates a military general to the Politburo and seeks to strengthen party discipline
China’s Xi Demands More Loyalty as Purges Trim Party Elite - WSJ
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in