A key conclave of China’s ruling Communist Party next week is widely expected to pass a resolution on the major achievements besides “historical experience” of the 100-year-old party and pave the way for an unprecedented third term for President Xi Jinping. Xi, 68, holding China’s all three power centres- general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC) the overall high command of the military and the Presidency- will attend the “high-profile Party plenum” of the Party on Monday, a lengthy commentary by state-run Xinhua news agency said on Saturday.
Titled “Xi Jinping, the man who leads the CPC on a new journey”, the commentary said “a landmark document will be tabled at this important meeting – the resolution on the major achievements and historical experience of the CPC’s 100 years of endeavours”, it said.
The Plenum is scheduled to be held from November 8 to 11.
Politically, it is regarded as a key meeting for Xi who in the last ten years of his tenure in power has emerged as the most powerful leader after party founder Mao Zedong as he is widely expected to take up an unprecedented third term in office.
All China’s top leaders derive their power from the post of the general secretary of the CPC.
All the predecessors of Xi have retired following the mandatory rule of two five-year terms or completion of 68 years of age.
Xi is widely regarded to be in power after the end of his second tenure later next year, possibly for life in view of a key constitutional amendment in 2018 which removed the two-term limit for the President. He has also been made “core leader” of the party in 2016, a status enjoyed by Mao.
Over 370 full and alternate members of the CPC Central Committee will take part in the Plenum being held in Beijing under tight Covid-19 control measures as the city in the last few weeks has reported several cases of the virus prompting officials to tighten entry and exit controls.