The 69-year-old has become China’s most powerful figure in decades and extending his authoritarian rule over the world’s second-largest economy. The Chinese political system is structured around Xi, who heads the state, the military, and — most importantly — the Chinese communist party.
Since coming to power in 20-12, Xi has tightened the party’s grip on the state and society, sidelined political rivals, and stamped out dissent.
Xi is breaking with tradition by remaining in office, having amended the Chinese constitution in 20-18 to remove the two-term limit on the presidency. The term limit was introduced in 19-82 to prevent a return to a Mao-style cult of personality.
