BEIJING: Xi Jinping was elevated to the pantheon of China’s most powerful leaders Tuesday as his name was enshrined in the Communist Party constitution alongside Chairman Mao. He could stay on as the nation’s top leader even if he gives up the title of party general secretary when his second term ends in 2022, analysts said. The congress declared the Communist Party China’s “absolute leader,” a clear sign that it intends to further tighten its grip on the country. “Those who approve, raise your hands,” Xi said during the vote as a flurry of arms shot up in unison. It will elect the party’s new ruling council, the Politburo Standing Committee, on Wednesday.

Source: Manila Times October 24, 2017 18:22 UTC