Xi Chosen For Record 3rd Term

The Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party has elected President Xi Jinping to a third term, reports NBC News.

On Saturday, the party held its 20th congress, which takes place every five years.

In 2018, Xi amended the Chinese constitution to remove term limits. In 1982, Deng Xiaoping introduced a two-term limit in an effort to prevent a return to a Mao-style cult of personality.

Since coming to power in 2012, Xi has been strengthening his grip on the party and the state, including attacks on potential rivals.

Analysts noted that many formal and informal rules have been undermined by Xi as he puts his allies into top jobs.

The new Politburo Standing Committee was unveiled on Sunday, which includes Xi allies Li Qiang, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi. The new members join current members Wang Huning and Zhao Leji.

Li Qiang will succeed Premier Li Keqiang as the number two official in China.

These moves, in addition to packing the 205-memeber Central Committee with Xi loyalists, signify the party may be returning to Mao- and Deng-style rule, according to experts.