China’s Current Leader Named Most Powerful since Mao after Changing Constitution
Local Editor
Xi Jinping has been consecrated as China's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong after a new body of political thought carrying his name was added to the Communist party's constitution.
The symbolic move came on the final day of a week-long political summit in Beijing - the 19th party congress - at which Xi pledged to lead the world's second largest economy into a "new era" of international power and influence.
At a closing ceremony in the Mao-era Great Hall of the People on Tuesday it was announced that Xi's Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era had been written into the party charter.
"The congress unanimously agrees that Xi Jinping Thought ... shall constitute [one of] the guides to action of the party in the party constitution," a party resolution stated.
In a brief address to more than 2,200 delegates, Xi said: "Today we, more than 1.3bn Chinese people, live in jubilation and dignity. Our land ... radiates with enormous dynamism. Our Chinese civilization shines with lasting splendor and glamour."
"Our party shows strong, firm and vibrant leadership. Our socialist system demonstrates great strength and vitality. The Chinese people and the Chinese nation embrace brilliant prospects," Xi added.
Since the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949, only one leader, Mao himself, has been honored in such a way while still alive, in his case with a political philosophy called Mao Zedong Thought.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
