Xi Jinping's Name and Ideology Added to China's Constitution

The 19th Congress of the Communist Party of China has approved the addition of Xi Jinping's name and ideas to the party's charter, known as the constitution of the party. Xi Jinping is the third individual to have his name added to the charter of the Communist Party of China after Mao Zedong, the founder of Communist China, and Deng Xiaoping, the architect of the open-door policy. The 19th Congress, which is held every five years, decided to add 'Xi Jinping's Thoughts on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era' to the charter. In his opening remarks at this year's congress, the President of China stated that Beijing 'will not close its doors to the world' and that China's economy will be more open than ever. Speaking to over two thousand representatives of the Communist Party from across China in a speech lasting three and a half hours, he said, 'Opening up will bring progress for us... We will only become more and more open.' In part of his remarks, which also reflects the current ideology, he stated, 'Socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era; a new historical period in our country's development has begun.' With the addition of his name and thoughts to the party's charter, the current leader of China is positioned alongside figures like Mao Zedong, the founder of the current political system, and Deng Xiaoping, who opened China's economy, with the notable difference that Deng's name was never added to the charter while he was alive. Events from last week during the Congress may indicate an increase in Xi's influence and power within the leadership of the country. Many observers have been waiting to see if Xi Jinping will gain a title and status similar to that of Mao Zedong. The introduction of a new President of China or the retention of the current leader is another event that occurs at the ruling party's five-year congress. The latest Congress of the Communist Party of China has convened while the country still faces widespread criticism regarding its handling of political and religious freedoms, censorship, pressure on journalists, and the civil society and cyberspace. China has one of the most extensive networks of internet censorship in the world, accused of suppressing civil activists, political freedom advocates, lawyers, and defenders of political and religious prisoners, as well as intervening in the affairs of countries like Taiwan, which Beijing refers to as a 'rebellious province.' The expansion of China's military presence in the waters surrounding the mainland has also faced criticism from neighboring countries. On the other hand, some observers say that while the United States' policy under Donald Trump is based on 'America First,' the People's Republic of China intends to champion 'globalization.'