19th CPC National Congress : Xi Rediscovers Zing

Prof (Dr.) Satish Kumar

The 19th Congress of the Communist Party of China is tipped to be the game changer in domestic as well as world politics. The rise of Xi Jinping as the unparalleled leader of the Communist Party of China has been put on record. The Congress of the Communist Party is held every five years which selects a new leader or successor to the existing president. More than 2800 delegates participated to select the new Politburo and the Standing Committee. The content of the 19th Congress was choreographed by president Xi Jinping himself. He was not merely given the second term as the leader of the Communist party and the president of the China but also left the option open for getting the third and fourth terms. This is against the established political traditions of China. After Den Xiaoping, the two terms for the Chinese presidents were fixed. His two successors, Jiang Zemin and Hu Junato, followed the same set of rules. But Xi seemed to be different. He is also demolishing the age barricade which has been fixed at 69. The political setting indicates he is keen to pursue his third term. There is general trend to identify the successor in the Congress meeting. But this time this has not been done. Most of the elite group of seven were identified who are above 60s, therefore, chances of his cropping his opponent looks dim.
The second milestone decision of the Communist Party was to adorn Xi Jinping as a living legend and theoretician of the Communist party of China. He was put on the same height of Mao. His thoughts are recorded in the party’s Constitution. He turned to be the second leader of the Communist Party of China to get this prestige. Even as leader of China and father of Chinese economic power, Deng got a place in the party’s constitution only after his death in 1997. Therefore, there is no doubt he is the most powerful leader of China after Mao. Since he has become larger than life so he will be on driving seat so long he desires to be there.
New Era
The Xi era could be the third phase of Chinese politics. The Mao era was a revolutionary era, Deng was dubbed as a reformist but Xi has coined, “Socialism with the Chinese Characteristics” is the beginning of the third phase. The meaning of Chinese characteristics is very obvious. Xi placed great emphasis on strengthening the military power and discarding opponents view especially online. The thought of Xi further narrates 30 years of China down the line and it would become a great power modern socialist country. It will be the centre of world politics. Things will move as per the wishes of China. The internal dynamics of Xi thought is to move the economy along with the pipeline of the party structure. It proves the fact that the market economy will be controlled or speed of reforms will be halted. Xi abhors western democracy or market system that is why he writes that China has a different colour which definitely different from the western countries.
The message to the countrymen was to create a balance between wealth and the poor. Perhaps Xi thoughts are situated between Mao’s revolutionary wave and Deng’s reform speed. He is all set to come heavy on freedom of expressions. The online critics were put behind the jail in his first five years stint; he will continue to do the same in the coming years. The curbing of the prevalent corruption was another great move which made him popular.
Xi imagination is to lead the world’s second largest economy into a new era of international power and influence. The Congress has agreed to pursue the policy of Xi unanimously. Xi narrated the road map of China. He said China is a country of 1.3 billion, living in jubilations and dignity. Our land radiates with power and strength. China has a brilliant prospect.
The external designing of Xi policy is a bit aggressive. It was a departure from Deng policy of confining at home and weaving our internal strength. Perhaps the rich China under Xi has altogether a different plan. The South China Sea where Xi is very particular to tame any rival country, China pushing of currency to lure and intimidate the countries which are opposing China.
Aggressive Posturing
His signature campaign of One Belt One Road is another external showcase in the world. The third one is Tibet, which directly linked to India. India and China both have a strong leadership and aggressive approaches which led to a standoff in Doklam. The elevation of Xi will be a concern for India. Tibet has been a cause of concern for both the countries. This change is required due to two reasons. First, the new world order, if it is destined to be dictated by China, India will be the worst victim. The rivalry during Cold War between Russia and America was wide and large. The Chinese and Indian borders are clogged. The Chinese nuclear arsenals are located in the spheres of Kham and Amdo which are part of Outer Tibet. This zone is highly militarised. The demolition of the buffer zone of Tibet dragged the Dragon near to many corners of India. Therefore Chinese foreign policy as well Chinese nuclear policies are inimical to India in particular and Asia in general.
The rise of Xi was expected; he shrewdly cornered every rival and put him behind the bar on the charges of corruptions. China was fed up with one country and two systems. Last year, Hongkong was in trouble, created a bad taste for his first stint, therefore, he is all set to end the two systems in China. Taiwan could be the next destination of President Xi.
Despite unassuming power as a leader, there are many challenges for China-North Korea is creating a problem for China. The India-Japan-US triangle is another challenge. Minority’s communities are unhappy with the change of 19th Congress in China. Corruptions are still rampant in different parts of the country. The tussle between PLA and the Party is not over. Everything depends on the delivery system. How is dynamics his handpicked members of Politburo?

Nevertheless, Xi is the new ideologue of Chinese Marxism. He is different from European lot. His ideas begin with China first. It means the brain drain has to be curbed. Thousands of engineers and businessmen doing business in America will be called off. It also means going all alone on the world politics, ignoring multilateralism. The Chinese foreign policies are mystery and alleviation of Xi complex the mystery further. The heat generated by this mystery will be inimical for India. Tibet and South Asia are on the radar screen of China. Xi said a friend of Dalai Lama is an enemy of China. This is a direct challenge to India. We need to be cautious and ready for further Chinese aggression.
(The writer is Head, Dept of Political Science, Central University of Haryana, Mahendargarh)