Xi Jinping Set For Historic 3rd Term As China President
China's president Xi Jinping secured a precedent-breaking third leadership term on Sunday and introduced a new Politburo Standing Committee that is stacked with loyalists_ cementing his place as the country's most powerful ruler since founder Mao Zedong.
Xi Jinping is all but certain to be unveiled as general secretary of the ruling Communist Party again- tilting the country decisively back towards one-man rule after decades of power-sharing among its elite.
His anointment will cap a week-long gathering of the party faithful in China's capital during which high-ranking cadres endorsed his 'core position' in the leadership and approved a sweeping reshuffle that saw several top officials step down.
All are perceived to have close allegiance to Xi Jinping_ 69_ who was also re-appointed on Sunday as chairman of the Central Military Commission.
However_ in an unexpected move that punctured the proceedings at the Great Hall of the People_ former leader Hu Jintao was led out of the closing ceremony. The frail-looking 79-year-old seemed reluctant to leave the front row where he was sitting next to Xi.
State media reported late Saturday that Hu had insisted on attending the session despite being unwell.
'When he was not feeling well during the session_ his staff_ for his health_ accompanied him to a room next to the meeting venue for a rest. Now_ he is much better_' Xinhua said on Twitter.
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