Set for second term in power, Xi may eye unprecedented third

TIL Desk/World/Beijing/ Firmly in the saddle to begin his second term with immense powers at this week’s key Congress of the ruling Communist Party, Chinese President Xi Jinping may set his sight for unprecedented third term, observers say.

The once-in-a-five-year Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which will begin here from October 18, was expected to confirm the second five-year term of Xi in line with the convention of two terms for the top leaders, followed by the party since 2002, after which they retire.

During the 18th Congress, which was held around the same time five years ago, the then President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao had overseen an orderly transfer of power adhering to the conventional two terms and handed over the power to Xi, who was then the Vice President.

Till then Xi, 64, a princeling as his father was former Vice Premier Xi Zhongxun, rose steadily in the party ranks maintaining a low profile. He was first elected as the General Secretary of the CPC during the 18th Congress and President of the country, later firmed up his power base after the outgoing leader Hu handed over the coveted position of head of the military to Xi.