After months of speculation and rumors, China has finally revealed its new group of leaders to the world– a seven member committee who will inevitably impact all countries through its rule over the world’s second largest economy. Considered the most powerful governing body in China, the Standing Committee of the Poliburo will be introducing Li Keqiang, Wang Qishan, Yu Zhengsheng, Zhang Dejiang, Liu Yunshan, Zhang Gaoli, and the most noteworthy – Xi Jingping. Xi Jinping, who will be succeeding Hu Jintao as head of the Community Party, has been named the Chinese Communist Party’s chief and chairman of the Central Military Commission, which oversees all major national security and military affairs.
In the eyes of the Chinese citizens, Xi is well-suited for the position as his father, who was in charge of Yan’an, the spiritual birthplace of Mao Zedong’s Communist victory, is known by many as a revolutionary general and party elite. In addition, through his well-known dedication to familiarizing himself with the armed forces’ inner workings and his five-year long experience as the vice president, Xi is considered by many as a formidable leader due to his power over both the Party and the military.
With advocates pressing for reform and the removal of corruption, the Standing Committee reduced its members from nine to seven as a way of allowing Xi Jinping to gain more control over its decisions with fewer voices to interfere – the first time this sort of action has ever occurred. Xi’s appointment also marked a break from the recent tradition of retiring leaders holding onto the post for a transitional period to extend their influence.
In a broadcast live on Chinese state TV and worldwide, Xi said, “We shall do everything we can to live up to your trust and fulfill our mission. We must make every effort to solve these problems [of corruption].”
In contrast with the stiff, “wooden” Hu, Xi is known to be very easy going and affable and at a recent tour of America in February, appeared at ease in a variety of settings, including a school, a farm town and even a Los Angeles Lakers game. However, he will need to take more affirmative action if he is to resolve the drifting relations between the United States and China. After all, the question is whether Mr. Xi will be able to successfully utilize his revolutionary heritage, personal charisma and extensive administrative experience to set China on a new path of development.
