Xi Jinping Re-elected as President of China

On Saturday, March 16, Xi Jinping was re-elected for another five-year term as President of China. According to the Associated Press, the National People's Congress not only re-elected Xi Jinping but also appointed Wang Qishan as Vice President of China. The Associated Press states that Xi Jinping is considered the most powerful leader of China since the death of Mao Zedong, the founder of the Communist Party and the People's Republic of China, and last week, by removing the two-term limit for the presidency, effectively opened the way for his continued rule beyond his second term. Chinese government officials defend the removal of the two-term limit for the presidency, arguing that this action will allow Xi Jinping to simultaneously hold the positions of Commander-in-Chief, President, and General Secretary of the Communist Party. According to the report, critics believe this action will lead to a further concentration of power and an intensification of repression in this closed political system. Xi Jinping was elected as President of China in 2013. However, he has not yet stated his intention to remain in power beyond 2023. The Associated Press reports that Xi Jinping is expected to continue his vigorous campaign against corruption in government institutions. Professor Kerry Brown, a professor at King's College London, told the Associated Press that economic growth and social stability in China have led Xi Jinping to take actions that previously seemed unlikely. He added that because economic growth and stability are important to everyone, no one will protest. During the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party in early November of this year, Xi Jinping's name and ideas were officially added to the party charter, effectively placing him on par with figures like Mao Zedong. China has one of the most extensive internet censorship networks in the world. Its government is accused of repressing civil activists, political freedom advocates, lawyers, and defenders of political and ideological prisoners, as well as some believers of various religions and beliefs.