China set to allow President Xi to stay in office indefinitely
- 6 years ago
Now for a look at stories making headlines around the world and we start in China…
The ruling Communist Party is working to make President Xi Jinping ruler of China indefinitely by altering its constitution.
For more on this and other international news we turn to our Ro Aram….
Aram…yet another move by the Chinese government to solidify Xi Jinping's grip on power…
That's right Mark… the Communist Party on Sunday proposed removing a constitutional clause that limits presidential services to just two five-year terms.
That would lay the groundwork for President Xi to continue his rule beyond 2023.
The proposal, which also covers the vice president position, will likely be approved by China's rubber-stamp parliament at an annual meeting beginning next Monday, where Xi is set to be appointed to his second term.
There had been other moves by the Chinese leader to cement his grip on power.
During the party congress last year, Xi secured his status as China's most powerful leader since the late Mao Zedong, the founder of the People's Republic.
That meeting ended without the appointment of a clear successor, pointing to Xi's longer-term ambitions.
Also, since taking office five years ago, Xi has overseen a radical shake-up of the Communist Party as part of his crackdown on corruption.
That led to some top leaders, once thought untouchable, to be removed.
An extended rein of power will enable Xi to see out his ambitious political visions, including his One Belt One Road initiative to build new global trade routes.
The ruling Communist Party is working to make President Xi Jinping ruler of China indefinitely by altering its constitution.
For more on this and other international news we turn to our Ro Aram….
Aram…yet another move by the Chinese government to solidify Xi Jinping's grip on power…
That's right Mark… the Communist Party on Sunday proposed removing a constitutional clause that limits presidential services to just two five-year terms.
That would lay the groundwork for President Xi to continue his rule beyond 2023.
The proposal, which also covers the vice president position, will likely be approved by China's rubber-stamp parliament at an annual meeting beginning next Monday, where Xi is set to be appointed to his second term.
There had been other moves by the Chinese leader to cement his grip on power.
During the party congress last year, Xi secured his status as China's most powerful leader since the late Mao Zedong, the founder of the People's Republic.
That meeting ended without the appointment of a clear successor, pointing to Xi's longer-term ambitions.
Also, since taking office five years ago, Xi has overseen a radical shake-up of the Communist Party as part of his crackdown on corruption.
That led to some top leaders, once thought untouchable, to be removed.
An extended rein of power will enable Xi to see out his ambitious political visions, including his One Belt One Road initiative to build new global trade routes.