The Chinese Communist Party just wrapped its 19th Party Congress. Twice each decade, China's rubber stamp parliament meets to sing its own praises. Unsurprisingly, cadres read out of new hymnals provided by Xi Jinping. It should surprise no one that Xi further consolidated his power at this event. Here are a few interesting and/or important takeaways from the event.
XI IS ON TOP
A new politburo standing committee (PSG) was named. However, it didn't include a clear successor for Xi Jinping. I've seen many click-bait articles speculating that this is the first important signal that Xi Jinping plans to hold the reigns of power past his expected retirement date. Without a doubt, this was the biggest news from the event. The regime famously fears government instability caused by top officials suddenly passing away (a la the Soviet Union in the early to mid-eighties). Xi staying in power past 2022 would show a major shift in the party's priorities.
WANG IS OUT
Many expected that China's anti-corruption tsar, Wang Qishan, might break with tradition and stay on the PSG despite reaching the customary retirement age. This didn't happen. Seen as a fiercely strong ally of Xi, Wang had the added benefit of not having children. Too bad Wang's favorite TV show, House of Cards, probably won't release a new season anytime soon.
LONG SPEECHES AND CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES
Xi gave a 3 hour and 24 minute speech. The communist party wrote Xi Jinping thought into the Chinese Communist Party's Constitution. Past leaders have had their political philosophies enshrined in the party's constitution. However, unlike Deng, Hu, and Jiang, Xi's political philosophy had his name attached during his lifetime.
JIANG STEALS THE SHOW
Xi Jinping might have given the keynote speech, but China's former leader Jiang Zemin stole the show. Images of Jiang yawning during Xi's public speaking marathon lit Chinese social media on fire. Like a student on the last day of school, Jiang incessantly checked his watch. The 91 year-old used his now iconic magnifying glass to great effect during Xi's speech. Expect this make and model of magnifying glass to rocket up the sales charts this Singles Day (11/11). I have already purchased mine on Taobao.
XI IS ON TOP
A new politburo standing committee (PSG) was named. However, it didn't include a clear successor for Xi Jinping. I've seen many click-bait articles speculating that this is the first important signal that Xi Jinping plans to hold the reigns of power past his expected retirement date. Without a doubt, this was the biggest news from the event. The regime famously fears government instability caused by top officials suddenly passing away (a la the Soviet Union in the early to mid-eighties). Xi staying in power past 2022 would show a major shift in the party's priorities.
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| House of Cards...China Style |
WANG IS OUT
Many expected that China's anti-corruption tsar, Wang Qishan, might break with tradition and stay on the PSG despite reaching the customary retirement age. This didn't happen. Seen as a fiercely strong ally of Xi, Wang had the added benefit of not having children. Too bad Wang's favorite TV show, House of Cards, probably won't release a new season anytime soon.
LONG SPEECHES AND CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES
Xi gave a 3 hour and 24 minute speech. The communist party wrote Xi Jinping thought into the Chinese Communist Party's Constitution. Past leaders have had their political philosophies enshrined in the party's constitution. However, unlike Deng, Hu, and Jiang, Xi's political philosophy had his name attached during his lifetime.
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| It's the fine print that'll get ya... |
Xi Jinping might have given the keynote speech, but China's former leader Jiang Zemin stole the show. Images of Jiang yawning during Xi's public speaking marathon lit Chinese social media on fire. Like a student on the last day of school, Jiang incessantly checked his watch. The 91 year-old used his now iconic magnifying glass to great effect during Xi's speech. Expect this make and model of magnifying glass to rocket up the sales charts this Singles Day (11/11). I have already purchased mine on Taobao.
