It was a fait accompli. Xi Jinping’s triumph for a third term as President, along with two more powerful caps as head of Chinese Communist Party and the country’s Central Military Commission has granted him enough political mileage to see the rise of China as the next emerging superpower. All credentials are cast in his favour, as the little talked about dissent has withered in thin air, primarily owing to the focus of attention that Xi and his cabinet came up with against criticism of its zero-tolerance Covid policy. The fact that all the 2,952 votes were cast in Xi’s favour is, indeed, a tribute and a compliment. The gratitude in reciprocation from the leader was sealed in no uncertain words as he pledged to “build a prosperous, strong, democratic, civilized, harmonious and great modern socialist country”. This certainly means the rise of China, and one that is bestowed with political, economic and military stability.
The 69-year old Chinese leader is already being termed the most powerful leader in generations. It is universally agreed in the Communist state that Xi has a vision, and he has the capacity and capability to deliver. That was proved in no uncertain terms as he pulled China into the highest GDP growth countries, and at the same time collaged its foreign policy with one of openness and fair play with a special focus on developmental economics. The multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative that will go on to connect five continents is one of the greatest success stories in post-Westphalian state-centrism.
Xi, nonetheless, will not be immune from challenges, and especially uncertainties, as he resets the country’s direction with the United States. The riddle of Taiwan and the South China Sea economic fissures will keep it bogged down for many years. Last but not least, to act as an impediment in its rise, is the revulsion in the form of Russo-Ukrainian war. Moreover, mending fences with India, and recollecting strategic thoughts on QUAD, AUKUS and the tormenting Middle East will test Xi’s resilience and statesmanship.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 11th, 2023.
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