Xi Jinping set to get 2nd term as ruling party chief

Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to further consolidate his power as the ruling Communist Party will begin its once-in-a-five-year Congress on Wednesday and confirm his second five-year term. The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China will also elect a new generation of leaders to work with Mr Xi.

The agenda for the key Congress, which will conclude on October 24, has been set at the preparatory meeting held on Tuesday, party spokesman Tuo Zhen told media here. Mr Xi presided over the preparatory meeting at the Great Hall of the People which was attended by 2,307 party delegates and especially invited delegates, he said.

Currently, the seven-member Standing Committee of the Politburo, which literally governs the country, is headed by Mr Xi, 64, who besides being the general secretary of the party is also China’s President and head of the military. Starting his tenure with three powerful posts, Mr Xi consolidated his position using the massive anti-corruption campaign against high ranking as well as middle and lower rung officials and top leaders. It is perhaps for the first time in 15 years, a Chinese leader will begin his second term after in power for five years, heading the three power centres.