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China's President Xi Jinping reappointed with no term limits

Six days ago the legislature abolished term limits for the president and vice president, meaning both can serve indefinitely.

Saturday 17 March 2018 05:53, UK

Chinese President Xi Jinping with his hand on the Constitution takes the oath, after he is voted as the president for another term, at the fifth plenary session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China March 17, 2018. REUTERS/Jason Lee
Image: Xi Jinping took the oath after securing another term
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Chinese President Xi Jinping has been reappointed with no limit on the number of terms he can serve.

China's rubber-stamp legislature, The National People's Congress, also appointed close Xi ally Wang Qishan to the formerly ceremonial post of vice president.

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Last Sunday the legislature abolished term limits for the president and vice president, meaning both can continue in office indefinitely.

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Chinese officials defended the move saying it would bring the presidency in line with Mr Xi's other two main positions of head of the ruling Communist Party and commander of the armed forces, but critics say the move will lead to increased political repression and allow party factions to promote their own candidates within the closed system.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) shakes hands with newly elected Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan at the fifth plenary session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China March 17, 2018. REUTERS/Jason Lee
Image: President Xi shakes hands with newly elected Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan (L)

Mr Xi, 64, is considered the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong.

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He took office as president in 2013 and has not said how many additional five-year terms he intends to serve.

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State media says the removal of term limits will not alter conditions for retirement or create a president in perpetuity, but no further detail was given.

Mr Xi is expected to expand his long-running campaign against corruption within the party to include all state employees through the creation of a new National Supervisory Commission.

He will also continue his ambition to implement a foreign policy and policies to upgrade the slowing economy.

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