China’s Xi proclaimed as party chief for historic 3rd time

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - Xi Jinping was confirmed Sunday to continue as head of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in an unprecedented third term.

Xi, 69, is the first Chinese leader to hold the fort for a third time since the party was founded 100 years ago.

The confirmation was formally announced after the first session of the Central Committee of the CPC’s 20th National Congress on Sunday.

A total of 205 members of the Central Committee were confirmed Saturday.

Xi addressed reporters after being confirmed and announced six more names to the CPC’s Standing Committee -- the top decision-making body of the party.

He will be on the Committee with Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi.

Xi also serves as president of the world’s largest populated nation and sits on the central military commission of China.

He rose to China’s top post in 2013 and won a second term in 2018 when he removed a bar on the presidential term.

The CPC held its once-in-five-year National Congress this week, concluding with the election of Central Committee members Saturday.

"The journey is hard and arduous but we will reach our destination. People will always have our back," said Xi, reiterating "national rejuvenation" of China.