China needs a strong leader like Mao Zedong and President Xi Jinping “fits the bill”, an official publication of the ruling Communist Party said on the eve of a key meeting of the party, speculated to amend the decades-old rule stipulating collective leadership to bolster Xi’s position. The meeting will take place in the autumn next year, when the party convenes its 19th Congress during which a new Politburo Standing Committee will be appointed. Xi, 63, currently heads a seven member Standing Committee of the CPC which virtually rules China. By next year, a new Standing Committee would be appointed for which jockeying has reportedly started. During the plenum, the party leadership will deliver work report of the party rule under Xi, official media reported.

Source: Hindustan Times October 23, 2016 14:47 UTC