China's 20th National Congress: Xi Untethered
Ushering in China’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong, the conclusion of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CCP) saw President Xi Jinping emerge on top with an unprecedented third term.
During his speech, Xi's message was all about continuity. He doubled down on goals set during his first term in 2012, such as building a more assertive China through its military and economy and restoring China's former glory by consolidating all of its territories.
Touting the many accomplishments achieved by the party over the past ten years (particularly highlighting China's zero-COVID policies), Xi aims to demonstrate the legitimacy of the CCP at home and abroad. Below are crucial takeaways policymakers should pay attention to as China continues its plan to shake up the status quo of Western-led foreign affairs.
MILITARY GROWTH
One hallmark of Xi's speech emphasized China's need to continue modernizing its armed forces. Breaking away from China's previous "slow and steady" approach, Xi stressed that China will continue flexing its military muscles regionally and globally.
After reconfiguring its theater commands in 2016, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is focused heavily on shoring up its training and weaponry. The many operations China's armed forces have conducted in 2022 alone, including participating in the Vostok East 2022 strategic exercise, are just some examples of the CCP's desire to build a world-class military. Notably, Vostok East was the first time China sent all three branches of its military to an exercise.
THE GREAT REJUVENATION
While serving as President, Xi expressed his desire to achieve "The Great Rejuvenation" of China by consolidating its territories, Taiwan in particular. After quelling protests in Hong Kong, reclaiming Taiwan is of the utmost importance. Xi also reiterated that he is prepared to take the small island peacefully or by force if necessary. Conducting various exercises and flyovers in and around the Taiwan Strait are strong indicators that China is prepared to escalate the issue if need be.
With the ongoing Ukraine-Russia crisis, it would be no surprise if China has closely observed the conflict and the subsequent international response to map out its strategy for Taiwan. With a third term, Xi has more time to build up military capabilities and strengthen the economy, minimizing the effects of economic sanctions which could allow them to fair better than Russia.
LOOKING FORWARD: UNPRECEDENTED THIRD TERM
By removing term limits, Xi broke from the CCP's tradition two-term limit by starting his third. His anti-corruption campaign at every level of government has eliminated all opposition to his power. He chose loyalty over ability as a critical factor for his various appointments within the party’s leadership, particularly in the high-ranking Politburo Standing Committee, leaving virtually no barriers to his authority. Under Xi, decision-making will be swift, limitless, and unopposed, giving him a type of political power we have not seen since the party's founder.