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Groton Daily Independent
Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017 ~ Vol. 25 - No. 102 ~ 60 of 63
SIGNS OF XI’S POWER
Observers are watching to see if Xi’s personal political theory will be entered into the party constitution alongside those of predecessors such as Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.
Xi’s wide-ranging, almost 3 1/2-hour address to the congress’ opening session Wednesday made no clear statement on that matter. But repeated references to “socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era” — including in the speech’s somewhat cumbersome title — pointed in that direction.
One section talked of “arming the whole party with the thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era” — placing the concept in the framework of the “thoughts” and “theories” associated with previous leaders.
Another key indicator will be whether Xi’s name is included in the concept’s formal title if it is inserted into the party constitution. That would elevate him to the ranks of Mao and Deng, above his immediate predecessors who received no such distinction when their own theories were entered into the constitu- tion’s list of guiding philosophies at the end of their terms.
Including the “thought” along with Xi’s name this early in his term would be a clear sign that the already powerful leader will continue to dominate Chinese politics.
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POWERFUL PLAYERS WILL EMERGE
Perhaps the most immediate results of the congress will be the distribution of new jobs, rumors about
which have swirled for months.
The meetings are cloaked in secrecy, but Xi has spent ve years sidelining his rivals, so the recipients
will be allies.
While Xi and his No. 2, Premier Li Keqiang, are expected to stay on the party’s Politburo Standing Com-
mittee that runs China, four others will likely depart. The status of party discipline boss and close Xi ally Wang Qishan seems unclear.
Chief among Xi’s allies are Chen Min’er, who was appointed this year to run the mega-city of Chongq- ing. Beijing party chief Cai Qi has also enjoyed rapid promotion under Xi. Key aides within the party, most notably chief of staff Li Zhanshu, are also tipped for higher of ce.
Companies and investors are watching to see what posts go to Xi allies regarded as reformers with the personal authority to push through painful changes over opposition from party factions or state companies that stand to lose in uence.
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XI’S SUCCESSOR
Xi is 64 and may suggest a potential successor for when his traditional second ve-year term as party
leader ends.
The nation’s presidency is limited to two ve-year terms, but the of ce of party general secretary is
bound by no such restrictions.
Xi could step aside for a younger leader while maintaining ultimate control from behind the scenes. ___
STRONGER FOREIGN POLICY
Xi has been steadily channeling Chinese nationalism and pride as he boosts the Communist Party’s role
in Chinese life and his country’s presence in Asia and the world.
The muscular approach is likely to get even stronger after the congress. Xi will try to gradually expand
China’s in uence by continuing to leverage the nation’s booming economy and mountain of foreign cur- rency holdings.
The goal is to restore China to its traditional role as East Asia’s leading nation and a global economic and cultural force.
Beijing could push to expand its role in international bodies and become more assertive in regional hot spots such as the South and East China Seas and its contested border with India.
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THE ECONOMY