China's Communist Party amends constitution, cementing Xi's status as 'core' of the party

Observers say the new tenure will put him on course to continue in power for life like Mao.

China's Communist Party on October 22, 2022 approved amendments to its constitution, including the so-called "Two Establishes" and "Two Safeguards" aimed at cementing the core status of Xi Jinping and the guiding role of his political thought within the party.

Earlier, the key Congress of China’s ruling Communist Party opened the closing session of its week-long meeting/

During the day, it is due to elect its Central Committee comprising over 370 senior leaders and pass several key resolutions, including an amendment to the party’s Constitution to grant more powers to Mr. Xi.

The Central Committee is the main governing body of the party. It will also outline the policies to be followed by the party and country in the next five years.

The endorsement for an unprecedented third term for Mr. Xi, 69, by the Communist Party of China (CPC) would be announced on October 23, 2022.

Mr. Xi presided over the closed-door closing session, official media here reported.

During Saturday’s session, the once-in-a-five-year Congress of the CPC comprising 2,296 delegates from its branches all over the country is due to elect the Central Committee. The Central Committee will meet on Sunday to elect the Political Bureau which will elect the powerful Standing Committee of about seven members.