China kicks off plenum meeting, President Xi Jinping’s powers likely to be strengthened

중국 6중전회 개막…시진핑 권력 강화할 듯 The sixth plenary session of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee kicked off Monday. For more on the significance of this gathering of movers and shakers and what to expect from it, we turn to Kim Hyesung Nearly 400 top leaders from China’s ruling Communist Party have gathered in Beijing for a meeting focused on "discipline" and "total loyalty." Full meetings of the leadership, like this one, are some of the most important events on China's political calendar, but there's even higher interest in this sixth plenary session as it signals the start of preparations for next year's 19th Party Congress. According to China's official Xinhua News Agency, 370 state leaders, military chiefs and top academics will discuss strict party governance and will be asked to approve two documents: a code of conduct for cadres and institutions... and an amendment to the rules for party supervision. The code of conduct is particularly important as it relates to President Xi's power in the Politburo. Certain changes could see him gain more control... with five of the Politburo's seven members expected to retire next year due to an unofficial age cutoff and a 10-year term limit. The plenum is an important chance for President Xi to bolster his authority before China forms a new leadership team next year. If the law is changed and the age limit is extended, there could be changes within the party. For instance, disciplinary chief Wang Qishan may be able to rule until 2022." Chinese state media also said that President Xi may be named the Party's "core leader" at the meeting, a title given only to the Communist Party's first chairman Mao Zedong, second-generation and third-generation leaders Deng Xiaoping and Jiang Zemin. The title meant they had almost absolute authority and should not be questioned. Since assuming office in 2012, Xi Jingping has rapidly consolidated power, including appointing himself commander-in-chief of the military, pushing for economic reform, and leading an anti-corruption drive that has already investigated over 1 million Chinese political leaders. The four-day meeting is expected to produce a shortlist for the new Central Committee, which will be finalised at the 7th plenum next year. Kim hyesung, Arirang News. Visit ‘Arirang News’ Official Pages Facebook(NEWS):   / newsarirang   Homepage: http://www.arirang.com Facebook:   / arirangtv   Twitter:   / arirangworld   Instagram:   / arirangworld