The world’s eyes are on Beijing… and Xi is preparing for a third term

In an event that is expected to attract the attention of many countries of the world, Chinese President Xi Jinping is preparing to consolidate his power by winning a third five-year term at the head of the second largest economic power in the world, during the 20th Congress of the Communist Party, which begins today (Sunday). The conference, which takes place twice every 10 years, comes amid rising tension between Beijing and Washington over Taiwan.

2,296 delegates from all provinces of the country are meeting for about a week at the People’s Palace in central Beijing under tight security. The delegates will appoint the new Central Committee, the party’s parliament, with 200 members, and then vote to choose the Politburo, the 25-member decision body.

Xi is expected to deliver a speech at the opening of the conference today, in which he presents the outcome of his mandate and gives indications of his program for the next five years. If, as expected, Xi, 69, remains in power until 2027, he will become the most influential leader since founder Mao Zedong (1949-1976).

The conference comes as relations between China and the United States have deteriorated, with Beijing confirming its intention to re-annext the island of Taiwan “even by force if necessary.” A Communist Party spokesman said yesterday that China reserves the right to use force against Taiwan as a last resort in force majeure, even though peaceful reunification is its first option. The spokesman told a press conference in Beijing that the reunification of China and Taiwan meets the interests of everyone, including the interests of Taiwan compatriots.

On the controversial policy of “Zero Covid” applied by China, the spokesman said that it is unlikely to ease this strategy during the National Congress of the Communist Party, considering that China’s anti-pandemic measures are the best and least expensive, and will continue to improve.
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