Hailed as the ‘people’s leader’, Xi aims at Mao’s stature

BEIJING: Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s political doctrine is set to be incorporated in the Communist Party of China (CPC) constitution on Saturday even as the frequent use of the title the “people’s leader” to describe him during the ongoing 20th national congress is also feeding speculation that it’s a new honorific Xi might get at the conclusion of the key party meeting.

The new amendment to the constitution will “enshrine the new ideas, thoughts and strategies on national governance” while reflecting the “…latest experience in the party’s development and work”, the government has announced without sharing details.

Earlier this week, 20th national congress spokesperson Sun Yeli said that amendments to the party’s constitution would “incorporate the major theoretical views and strategic thinking” in the last five years.

One possibility is that Xi’s “the two establishments” could be included in the constitution.

“The two establishments” refer to establishing Xi’s status as China’s “core” leader and enshrining his political doctrine in the party’s constitution.

At the 19th national congress, 2017, the CPC had - for the first time - enshrined Xi’s political doctrine and his name in its constitution.

Other than the mention of “Xi Jinping Thought”, his name was included in at least two other parts of the amended constitution - “implement Xi Jinping’s thinking on strengthening the military” and “firmly uphold the authority and centralised, unified leadership of the Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the Core”.

On Saturday, Xi’s power and influence are expected to be further strengthened with the amendment to the constitution.

China’s new leadership under Xi will be announced when the CPC’s new Politburo Standing Committee - the top decisionmaking body in China - walks out to meet the press at the Great Hall of the People on Sunday.

Xi, 69, is already the CPC chief, the chairperson of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC), China’s president and the party’s “core” - the “chairman of everything” as described by leading China expert, Geremie Barme.

Xi is set to begin his third term as CPC general secretary on Sunday and emerge as China’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong, the founder of modern China in 1949.

The new title of the “People’s Leader” - if bestowed - could further enhance his status and put him at par with Mao, who was called the “Great Leader”.

AFP President Xi Jinping speaks during the opening session of the 20th Chinese Communist Party’s Congress in Beijing.