Xi Jinping Seeks Third Term as Leader of Chinese Communist Party

This weekend in China, the leaders of the Chinese Communist Party are gathering to hold a Party Congress that occurs every five years. During the meeting, the CCP is expected to elect President Xi Jinping to a third five-year term, solidifying Xi as one of the most powerful rulers in the nation since Mao Zedong. Roughly 2,000 members of the CCP are anticipated to attend the gathering, which will feature an address from Xi outlining the nation’s path moving forward.

Key Quotes: An opinion from a writer at The Hill (Center Bias) predicted Xi would “lay out his grand strategy to create a China-centered new world order through campaigns such as the Belt and Road Initiative, shared common destiny for mankind, and international governance reforms to weaken the existing liberal order and U.S. power.” An analysis from The Dispatch (Lean right Bias) outlined China’s position on the world stage, stating that “other countries have increasingly soured on China, fueled by concerns of cyber espionage, aggression towards Taiwan, and its human rights abuses in Xinjiang. And it faces increasing suspicion from the West.”

For Context: Xi abolished a term-limit law in 2018, allowing him to remain in power beyond 10 years. The meeting comes as China continues its “zero-covid” policies against the advice of the World Health Organization, as well as continued tensions with the U.S. and Taiwan.

How the Media Covered it: In coverage, the outcome was seen as predetermined, with Xi’s hold on power mostly unquestioned internally.