China’s leader steals the Communist Party’s show at its National Congress.
China’s 20th National Congress has concluded, and it was the Xi Jinping show. The Chinese Communist Party general secretary and Chinese president — the first role is by far his most important — reigned supreme, winning a third term and the opportunity to rule for life. He loaded the leadership with his flunkies, emptied Beijing of anyone not prepared to do a full forehead-to-floor kowtow when he enters the room, and avoided promoting anyone who could be considered a rival or even successor.
