Lastly, in a widely advertised adjustment to the Chinese constitution, "Xi Jinping thought" now takes its place among the several ideological inspirations that guide the evolution of Communist Party decision making. This is less important for what "Xi Jinping thought" actually means today, than that it establishes Xi Jinping as a living authority on Communist Party doctrine. After all, who is likely to be a higher authority on "Xi Jinping thought" than Xi Jinping himself? In one respect this could be merely a corollary of "Xi Jinping thought," it being his signature contribution to China's international orientation, but there is another interpretation. Either way, at the 19th Party Congress Xi Jinping has done more than simply reinforce his position within China, he has also announced his intentions to the world.

Source: Forbes October 30, 2017 03:11 UTC