RISE & RISE OF DISRUPTOR

SEVEN KEY XI LOYALISTS WERE REVEALED AS MEMBERS OF CHINA'S MOST POWERFUL POLITICAL BODY, THE POLITBURO STANDING COMMITTEE. THE PRIVILEGE OF THREE-TERM ELECTION WAS ONLY ACCORDED TO MAO ZEDONG

- NIRENDRA DEV, DR ABHISHEK PRATAP SINGH 

Xi  Jinping has now been confirmed as leader of China for an unprecedented and record breaking third term, after a week-long political meeting eliminated 'key rivals' and strengthened his political power. The 20th party Congress, the most important meeting of the ruling Chinese Communist party five-year political cycle, saw about 2,400 delegates gathering in Beijing to rubber-stamp major reshuffles and constitutional changes.

PARADING LOYALISTS

At a press event on Sunday, seven key Xi loyalists were revealed as members of China’s most powerful political body, the Politburo Standing Committee (PSC), as they walked on stage in order of rank. It was unprecedented as the privilege of three-term election was only accorded to party founder Mao Zedong.

Xi Jinping is 69. He was elected to the powerful Central Committee despite crossing the official retirement age of 68 and completing 10-year tenure.

FACT CHECK ON THE CHINESE LEADER

The Chinese leader comes from a political family. His father Xi Zhongshun was a close associate of Chinese military commander Liu Zhidan. In 1962, Senior Xi was thrown into prison and his wife (Xi Jinping's mom), too, was banished to a labour camp. Xi Jinping, like many youngsters of his time, was asked to "denounce" his parents by those promoted to positions of responsibility.)