Chinese lawmakers unanimously supported the record third term.
On Friday, Xi Jinping won re-election as China’s president, gaining a historic third five-year term. Also, Xi’s status as the leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was reconfirmed last year.
China’s legislative and highest authority, the National People’s Congress, unanimously supported his candidature. Xi was maintained as the country’s president as well as the head of the Central Military Commission, which is in charge of overseeing the management of the nation’s armed forces.
With his hand on the constitution, Xi took an oath in front of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, promising to “create a wealthy, strong, democratic, civilised, harmonious, and glorious modern socialist nation.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping was congratulated on his reelection by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who called it “a tribute to the acknowledgement of your successes as the head of state.” Moreover, he cited “widespread public support” for Xi’s strategy to advance China’s socioeconomic growth and safeguard Beijing’s national interests abroad.
The president went on to say that “Russia much appreciates your personal contribution to building comprehensive collaboration and strategic contact between our governments” and expressed optimism that Beijing and Moscow will increase their cooperation in a variety of areas.
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Other positions were filled by Chinese MPs, who chose former deputy premier Han Zheng to serve as vice president. Zhao Leji, the head of the party’s foremost anti-corruption body, was also chosen to lead the NPC Standing Committee.
After winning a third term as general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party in October of last year, Xi preserved his position as president. The latter role is thought to be more significant than the presidency, which is often thought of as a ceremonial function.
As Chinese legislators voted in favour of a constitutional modification that eliminated the presidential term limit, the Chinese leader’s reelection became feasible in 2018. Before, the Chinese president could only serve two consecutive five-year terms.
