Xi Jinping: Power, Term Limits, and Relationships

Few world leaders have reshaped their country’s political landscape as decisively as Xi Jinping. Since taking the helm of the Communist Party of China in 2012, he has consolidated power through constitutional changes and institutional moves that draw frequent comparisons to Vladimir Putin.

Born: 15 June 1953, Beijing, China ·
Political office: General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (since 2012) ·
Term limit change: Removed presidential term limit in 2018 ·
Current position status: Paramount leader of China ·
Spouse: Peng Liyuan (folk singer) ·
Children: Xi Mingze (daughter)

Why is Xi Jinping so powerful?

Xi’s authority rests on three interlocking posts—General Secretary of the CCP, President of the PRC, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission—each without meaningful term limits on the latter two. Analysts at the Council on Foreign Relations (Nonpartisan think tank) describe this as “unrivaled power.” The Los Angeles Times (Major U.S. newspaper) reported that Xi’s term-limit abolition in 2018 signaled the likelihood of “another long period of severe repression.” The constitutional change removed the two-term constraint that had been part of Deng Xiaoping’s institutional framework.

Institutional consolidation of power

• Xi was elected General Secretary in 2012, President in 2013, and already held the top military post by 2012 (Council on Foreign Relations).
• The VOA Learning English (U.S. government-funded news outlet) notes the term-limit removal was approved with almost no public dissent.

Removal of term limits

The 2018 constitutional amendment ended the 10-year limit on the presidency. CFR analysis states this allows Xi to remain president indefinitely. The change was framed as a return to stability, but critics saw it as a dismantling of checks.

How long can you be president of China?

Before 2018, the constitution limited presidents to two consecutive five-year terms. The Los Angeles Times notes that the amendment removed that ceiling entirely. Since Xi was first elected president in 2013, he could theoretically serve beyond 2023—and the 2022 party congress already extended his tenure as General Secretary with no set endpoint.

Current term rules

• After 2018: no term limit for the president (VOA Learning English).
• Xi has been president since 2013 and is expected to hold power indefinitely (Los Angeles Times).

Historical context

• Before 2018: two consecutive five-year terms (10 years max) (Los Angeles Times).
• Deng Xiaoping’s system was designed to prevent a single leader from accumulating too much power.

Are Xi Jinping and Putin friends?

The two leaders have met more than 40 times since 2013, as confirmed by Brookings Institution (Independent research organization). In February 2022, China and Russia declared a “no limits” partnership. Yet Brookings argues the two are “not natural allies,” constrained by structural differences and mutual mistrust. Diplomacy rather than personal friendship drives the relationship.

Diplomatic partnership

• Over 40 meetings between Xi and Putin (Brookings Institution).
• “No limits” partnership declared February 2022 (Brookings Institution).

Strategic alignment

• Both oppose U.S. global dominance (Brookings Institution).
• Energy and arms trade form the economic backbone.

What religion is Xi Jinping?

China is an officially atheist state under the CCP, and Xi has never publicly identified with any religion. He has quoted Confucian and Marxist principles in speeches, but no personal affiliation is documented. Los Angeles Times coverage notes the state’s secular character as a constant in China’s constitutional structure.

Official stance

• China’s constitution guarantees freedom of belief but the party is atheist (Los Angeles Times).
• Religious groups operate under strict state control.

Personal background

• No credible reporting suggests Xi follows any religion.
• His public rhetoric draws from Marxism-Leninism and traditional Chinese philosophy.

Who is stronger, Russia or China?

This comparison often surfaces in PAA queries. China has the world’s largest active military (over 2 million personnel), while Russia possesses the largest nuclear arsenal. Economically, China’s GDP is roughly 10 times that of Russia. Both are permanent UN Security Council members. The Brookings Institution highlights that despite surface similarities, the two countries are very different in structure and capacity.

The numbers paint a clear picture: China dominates economically and in conventional forces, while Russia retains a nuclear edge. GRIN (Academic publisher) notes structural differences: China is unitary and unicameral, Russia is federal and bicameral.

Who is China’s biggest friend?

Three countries consistently appear as top partners: Pakistan (often called an “all-weather friend”), Russia (the most important strategic partner), and North Korea (historically close but tested). The Brookings Institution cautions that even with Russia, the relationship is “constrained by structural differences and mutual mistrust.”

Pakistan

• Longstanding diplomatic and military ally.
• China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a flagship project.

Russia

• Deepening energy and arms trade.
• “No limits” partnership but underlying tensions.

North Korea

• Historic “teeth and lips” relationship.
• Strained by North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.

Can Xi Jinping be removed from power?

Formally, the CCP National Congress can remove the General Secretary, and the National People’s Congress can impeach the president. However, no modern Chinese leader has been removed while in office. Council on Foreign Relations notes Xi’s power is entrenched within the party. The Los Angeles Times quotes an expert who said the term-limit abolition signaled that dissent would be met with severe repression.

Formal removal mechanisms

• CCP National Congress can dismiss General Secretary.
• NPC can impeach president.

Practical constraints

• No precedent for removal of a sitting paramount leader.
• Xi’s allies dominate the Politburo Standing Committee (Council on Foreign Relations).

Key perspectives on Xi Jinping’s leadership

“The term-limit abolition signaled the likelihood of another long period of severe repression.”

— Expert quoted by the Los Angeles Times (Major U.S. newspaper)

“China and Russia are not natural allies despite both being authoritarian systems.”

— Brookings Institution (Independent research organization)

“Xi’s term-limit removal met with almost no dissent.”

— VOA Learning English (U.S. government-funded news outlet)

“The change ends two-term constraint on the presidency.”

— Council on Foreign Relations (Nonpartisan think tank)

The structural reforms Xi has enacted—term-limit removal, entrenchment in party and military posts, and partnership with Russia—have made him the most consequential Chinese leader in decades. For anyone trying to understand China’s trajectory under his rule, the evidence suggests a period of sustained, centralized control with limited checks. For global policymakers, the implication is clear: Xi’s power is likely to persist, requiring long-term strategic adjustments rather than short-term expectations of change.