Why Xi Jinping might rule China until his death

Chinese President Xi Jinping is a leader who does not accept contrary opinions, not even from the highest circle of power; he has pretensions of a global leader and is insecure about his capacity; he is a brilliant manipulator to obtain power, concentrate it in his hands as never before in 30 years and perpetuate himself in it, said the first Mexican ambassador to China (1972-1976 and 1982-1987), Eugenio Anguiano Roch.

As part of his speech at the 20th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, the president presented a balance of his performance so far and the possible scenarios of evolution in key issues such as the rivalry with the United States, its relations with Russia, and the global south, as well as the reunification strategy of Taiwan, among other aspects.

In his participation in the series of conferences of the Center for China-Mexico Studies (Cechimex) of the Faculty of Economics of the UNAM, Anguiano Roch explained that the ruler, in his capacity as general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), an appointment received on the occasion of the Congress, in his report made a recount of his achievements during the past five years and the changes of the first decade of the new Chinese era. "He mentioned 91 times the word security, 21 military, and 22 struggle."

In contrast, the concept of structural political reform, an important process because it was the emblematic breakthrough that dramatically appeared at the 1987 congress, was not part of his reading. "That means that many of the advances in opening up and political change will be rolled back or frozen, although the text notes that China will continue to be integrated into its policy of openings."

Three major events were highlighted in the report, which has deep historical significance: the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the CCP; the consolidation of a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics; and the eradication of absolute poverty.

In his lecture "China after the 20th Congress of the Communist Party", Anguiano Roch mentioned that the Eastern leader also emphasized recent economic growth figures: the gross domestic product of his country as the second largest in the world, and first place in the world in grain and industrial production.

The central theme of the CCP is to lead the people and their ethnic groups to lead the nation, in 2049, 100 years after the founding of the People's Republic of China, to modern socialism and the rejuvenation of the nation. "That is, to recover what it was in the historical past when the Asian giant was the great world power; the commitment to raise social welfare through policies that ensure sustainable future growth and a better distribution of wealth."

In international politics, China seeks national reunification by peaceful means, but will never renounce the use of force.

The 20th Congress was attended by 98.3 percent of the delegates (2,338 of the 2,378 elected), plus special guest delegates, all of whom cast their individual and secret ballots. The result was the appointment of 205 titular members of Congress. Also, 133 members of the 20th Central Disciplinary Commission of the Communist Party were elected.

Global governance and Chinese President Xi Jinping

The speeches presented made clear the consolidation and dominance of Xi Jinping over the past 30 years as the supreme leader and the subordination of the collective leadership, and glimpsed "the whole political hegemony of a single man who could stay in power until his death, as happened with Mao Zedong, and extols the principle of national security that guarantees the dominant and single party."

In the last three decades, the CCP opened the opportunity for greater welfare to the population in exchange for the unreserved acceptance of its supreme political authority; the expected reelection of Xi Jinping for a third term in power is accompanied by the unconditional support of the hegemonic party.

Likewise, the major objectives of the leader and the Communist Party are modernization during the 2020-2035 period; celebrating 100 years of the People's Liberation Army by 2049; armed forces technologically prepared to enter combat; building a great socialist, modern, prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful country.

"While in the international arena, Xi Jinping's goal is to increase China's international position and influence, to play a great role in global governance," the diplomat said.