Mint explainer: a window into the closed world of China’s elite politics

What is the importance of party congress?

The event is one of the most important on China’s political calendar. It happens once every five years and matters for a few key reasons. Under normal circumstances, a party congress is used to anoint the next generation of China’s leaders. For example, during the 17th National Congress in 2007, Xi was projected to the world as the future President of China.

The assembled delegates choose the members of China’s 371-strong Central Committee, which in turn chooses the 25-member Politburo. Finally, there is the almighty seven-member Politburo Standing Committee, which acts as a key decision-making body. Older leaders, typically those 68 and over, retire, while promising younger members are promoted. The CCP faction and party elders struggle through closed doors to appoint their own members to positions of authority.

In addition to peering into the closed world of China’s elite politics, Congress also reviews the national progress made during the past five years. It also prepares a curriculum for the country over the next five years.

What is expected to happen?

Typically, the President of China, who is also the party’s general secretary, serves for two five-year terms before being replaced. The prime minister of China, who usually leads the day-to-day operations of the government, is also replaced after a decade. However, President Xi is widely expected to secure an unprecedented third term in office. He has also broken the previous precedent by not appointing a clear successor. Senior officials like Premier Li Keqiang will retire this year. This means that Xi will continue to consolidate his power by appointing allies and loyalists to senior positions in an effort to consolidate his rule.

Experts are considering how the party will choose to honor Xi. Some expect him to hold the grand position of “president” of the CCP. Such a title has been used since the death of Mao Zedong in the 1970s and would confirm Xi’s position as the most powerful Chinese leader in decades.

What has happened already?

Xi made an important speech to inaugurate the Congress. His remarks, which included a pat on the back to his own administration for its successes, indicated more continuity than change. China has abandoned its earlier obsession with GDP growth for good and will now focus on sustainable and green growth. Its “Zero COVID” strategy, which some say has put the brakes on economic growth, will continue for the foreseeable future. Xi’s signature foreign policy moves will also continue. He doubled down on China’s action in Hong Kong and defended its aggressive policy. -A-Vis Taiwan.

What are the consequences for China and the world?

Xi’s move to focus power and centralize decision-making has meant the world’s most populous country now relies on the leadership of a 69-year-old man. Given that Xi has no formal successor, Xi’s demise or otherwise incapacity could lead to a political crisis. Xi’s continued presence at the center of Chinese politics means that escalating tensions with the United States are likely to become the order of the day. For India, this also means that the border crisis that began in April 2020 is unlikely to be resolved. This is because the crisis was largely triggered by the actions of the Xi administration and the subsequent impasse in talks with New Delhi continues under his watch.