In a move that will further deepen his control over China’s
government and economy, President Xi Jinping is set to be confirmed for his
third term as president and appoint his top team as lawmakers meet in Beijing
to pass far-reaching reforms. The annual meetings, known as the Two Sessions,
will see delegates reshape key Communist Party and state institutions and
tighten control over finance and technology sectors while strengthening
party-building work in private businesses, according to state media. The moves
will likely consolidate the party’s control of the private sector and blur the
lines between the Chinese Communist Party and the government.
President Xi’s appointment comes as he faces domestic pressure to turn around an economy battered by his zero-Covid strategy and crackdowns in various business sectors. At the start of the meeting, it was announced that China will pursue a reduced economic growth target of about 5% this year, while defence spending is to rise by more than 7%.
Observers say the team that will be announced was picked
more for their loyalty to President Xi and the party rather than for their
expertise. Outgoing premier Li
Keqiang, who was ousted in the leadership reshuffle at October’s party
congress, will deliver his last work report speech, while Li Qiang, one of
President Xi’s most trusted colleagues, is expected to assume the role of
Premier. As the Shanghai party secretary, Li Qiang oversaw a prolonged and
painful Covid lockdown that angered locals and made international headlines.
The NPC's confirmation of President Xi’s third term and the
appointments of his top team will formalize his leadership of the country, as
he will be elected president of China and head of the armed forces. President
Xi secured his position in the echelons of Chinese power in October last year
when the Communist Party re-elected him as their leader for a third term. In
the 2018 NPC meeting, lawmakers approved the removal of term limits on the
presidency, effectively allowing President Xi to remain leader for life.
China’s leader, Xi Jinping, is set to tighten his grip on
the country’s government and economy as the National People’s Congress (NPC)
meets in Beijing for its annual Two Sessions. The NPC is expected to confirm Mr
Xi’s third term as president, and the appointments of his top team, including a
new premier. Delegates will also reshape several key Communist Party and state
institutions, further consolidating the party’s control of the private sector.
The moves are part of an ongoing corruption crackdown, which
has seen several high-profile businessmen disappear in recent years. Mr Xi’s
appointment comes amid domestic pressure to turn around an economy battered by
his zero-Covid strategy and crackdowns in various business sectors. At the
start of the meeting, it was announced that China will pursue a reduced
economic growth target of about 5% this year, while defence spending is to rise
by more than 7%.
Abroad, Mr Xi is navigating worsening ties with the US over
the Ukraine war and the recent spy balloon saga, while warming his embrace of
Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Observers say the NPC appointments were chosen more for
their loyalty to Mr Xi and the party than for their expertise, and many will be
watching to see who fills several key positions, such as the commerce minister,
head of the national development and reform commission, propaganda chief, and
head of state security.
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