Chinese leader Xi embarks on ‘intensive’ overhaul as he cements power

Chinese leader Xi Jinping will oversee an “intensive” and “wide-ranging” government overhaul at a landmark political meeting beginning Sunday that will usher in a new generation of officials close to Xi and cement his control as he begins his second decade in power. China’s rubber-stamp parliament, the National People’s Congress (NPC), is expected to approve a “reform plan” that expands the party’s role in the technology sector and in the private sector, as well as reforming financial regulation and national security.

The changes come at a time of deep economic uncertainty at home after years of restrictive covid policies paralyzed the economy and slowed growth to its lowest levels since the 1970s, and increased hostility outside as China’s relationship with the United States reaches new lows.

At a party meeting this week, Xi described the “high winds and choppy waters” that his country faces, citing the economic obstacles of “shrinking demand, disrupted supply and weakening expectations.”

The annual political event is known within China as lianghui, or the Two Sessions — the annual meetings of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), a body that advises the Chinese Communist Party; and the NPC, the party’s legislative body, with about 3,000 members representing different sectors of society.

At this year’s meetings, officials will announce the largest leadership reshuffle in a decade as well as a gross domestic product target and policies aimed at recovering lost confidence in the Chinese economy.

Here is what to expect:

The new government lineup

The Two Sessions, which could last up to two weeks, take place after a key party congress in October at which Xi broke with succession norms to secure a third five-year term. At the NPC, which begins Sunday, Xi will be officially appointed president, adding to his titles as head of the party and the military.

Delegates will also approve the new premier in charge of the State Council, China’s cabinet. Li Qiang — an ally of Xi’s and the former party secretary of Shanghai, who oversaw a deeply unpopular lockdown that sowed the seeds for nationwide protests — is expected to replace current premier Li Keqiang