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China’s party congress promises to continue, unchanged


BEIJING –

The overarching theme emerging from the ongoing Communist Party of China Congress is one of continuity, not change.

The week-long meeting, which opens on Sunday, is expected to re-appoint Xi Jinping as leader, reaffirm commitment to his policies over the next five years and possibly enhance his status further as one of the most powerful leaders in China’s modern history.

A look back at what’s happened so far and what’s to come:

MANY SAME THINGS

This is not an inflection point for the party. That happened 10 years ago when it appointed Mr. Xi as leader, although that was not clear at the time.

Since then, Mr. Xi has reoriented China both domestically and internationally. The military has claimed the disputed territory while diplomats have become more assertive, saying China will not be bullied by the US and other countries.

Mr. Xi has brought about stronger state control over the economy and society, expanding censorship and arrests to stave off dissent. An unprecedented crackdown on corruption has brought down hundreds of senior officials, including several potential political opponents.

All that is here is the message from an hour and 45-minute party report that Mr. Xi delivered to the opening session on Sunday, praising the party’s efforts for what he called “the rejuvenation” of the country.

LIGHT LIGHT

Xi has wiped out competitors and consolidated power. The question is whether he will gain even more power – and how.

In fact, he has placed himself in charge of military, foreign policy, economic and most other issues through a series of party working groups he heads.

Figuratively speaking, his ideology, known as Xi Jinping Thought, was included in the party congress at the previous congress in 2017.

Another amendment to the constitution is on the agenda of this week’s congress. No details were released, but analysts say it could further enhance his standing in the party.

NEW LEADERS

It is customary for the party to reveal its top leadership for the next five years the day after the congress closes, with a small group named on the Politburo Standing Committee first identified when they march on the stage.

Mr. Xi is expected to take the lead, with a third term of five years. That would lead to an unwritten agreement for party leaders to resign after two terms.

Others named on the Standing Committee, which currently has seven members, could offer clues about Mr. Xi’s future and the direction of policy.

He was supposed to assemble the committee with loyalists. Analysts wonder if China’s economic slowdown will force him to curb his enthusiasm for the state-run economy and include advocates of a market-oriented approach. more school or not.

No clear successor was chosen for the current Standing Committee in 2017, signaling that Mr. Xi is eyeing a third term. Doing so again will show he plans to stay longer.

WAIT FOR THE WEEKEND

With most of this week’s sessions closed, none of these are likely to be known until the end of the week. Any amendments to the constitution would normally be announced at the closing session on Saturday, and the new leadership would march on Sunday.

BLUES WITHOUT COVID

For many Chinese, tired of the restrictions of the pandemic that have disrupted lives and the economy, the more immediate question is whether there will be any easing after the party congress.

The answer is probably not immediately, and changes as they come will most likely be gradual.

The Communist Party has always wanted to portray the country in a positive light around the congress and avoid any social disruption – and a major COVID-19 outbreak would be one.

But even after the congress, it is uncertain how far COVID-19 will spread if travel and other restrictions are eased, so party officials remain cautious about opening up.

Plus, there’s always another big event to worry about. Next is the party congress, China’s legislature will meet next year, probably in March. Many Chinese are preparing to withdraw at least until then.

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