The Chinese Communist Party on Saturday approved amendments to its constitution, including the so-called “Two Establishes” and “Two Safeguards” aimed at cementing the core status of Xi Jinping.
The amendments were passed by a unanimous vote at the end of the party’s National Congress, which takes place once every five years.
The “Two Establishes” refers to establishing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as an official guide to action for the party, and establishing the people’s congresses system as the country’s fundamental political system.
The “Two Safeguards” refers to ensuring that power is exercised within the framework of the constitution and laws, and ensuring that the party leads all work in China.
The amendments came after months of speculation that Xi would seek to have his name enshrined in the constitution, alongside Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.
That would mean he would enjoy special status among party leaders after he steps down as president in 2023.
However, there was no mention of Xi’s name in Saturday’s vote, with party officials instead referring to his “immortal contributions.”
Xi is currently serving his second five-year term as president, and is also General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party and Chairman of the Central Military Commission.
He has amassed more power than any leader since Mao Zedong, and has used that power to crackdown on dissent and centralize decision-making within the party.
The Chinese Communist Party’s approval of amendments to its constitution aimed at cementing Xi Jinping’s status shows that he is well on his way to becoming one of the most powerful leaders in China’s history.
With these amendments, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era will now be an official guide to action for the party, and his name will likely go down in history alongside other great Chinese leaders.
