20th Party Congress: Xi Jinping Secures Third Term
In October 2022, the 20th National Congress confirmed Xi Jinping for a third term as General Secretary, breaking the two-term convention that had formed since Jiang Zemin stepped down in 2002. All seven members of the new Politburo Standing Committee were newly elected at the congress, with no carryover from the previous two standing committees.
Xi Jinping's Third Term as General Secretary
The 20th National Congress, held October 16–22, 2022, confirmed Xi Jinping for a third term as General Secretary, breaking the two-term convention established since Jiang Zemin. Xi was also re-elected President and retained chairmanship of the Central Military Commission. All seven members of the new Politburo Standing Committee were newly elected at this congress, with no carryover from the previous two standing committees.
The Congress Report
Xi's work report introduced the concept of "Chinese-style modernisation" (中国式现代化), positioning it as a distinct development path different from the Western model of modernisation. The report placed security alongside development as dual core priorities. The word "struggle" (斗争) appeared 17 times in the report. On Taiwan, the report described resolving the Taiwan question as "the Party's unswerving historical task."
Hu Jintao's Early Departure
During the closing session, former General Secretary Hu Jintao was escorted out of the congress hall by staff in view of attendees. Chinese authorities made no public statement on the matter. The footage was widely circulated by media outlets, with differing interpretations of its cause and significance.
Narrative Comparison
| Source | Narrative |
|---|---|
| Chinese Official Position | Xinhua reported that the 20th National Congress successfully concluded all agenda items and closed on 22 October 2022. The congress elected a new Central Committee, with Xi Jinping continuing as General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee. The congress communiqué stated that the congress was convened at a critical moment as the Party and people were embarking on a new journey to build a modern socialist country in all respects. Regarding Hu Jintao's early departure from the closing session, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that Hu Jintao was feeling unwell and that staff accompanied him to rest. |
| Western Media and Observers | Major Western media outlets characterised the 20th National Congress as a significant milestone in Xi Jinping's consolidation of power. The New York Times, BBC and others noted that Xi broke the informal two-term convention for top leadership that had prevailed in the reform era, and that all members of the new Politburo Standing Committee were considered close to Xi, with no carryover members and no technocrats with independent political bases. Footage of Hu Jintao being escorted from the closing session attracted extensive coverage, with several outlets juxtaposing it with images of Xi on the rostrum; some analysts saw political symbolism in the episode, while others considered the health explanation equally credible. |
Key Milestones
- 20th Congress Opens; Xi Delivers Work Report
The 20th National Congress opened at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi Jinping delivered the work report on behalf of the 19th Central Committee, introducing the concept of "Chinese-style modernisation," placing security alongside development as dual core priorities, and describing the resolution of the Taiwan question as "the Party's unswerving historical task." The word "struggle" appeared 17 times in the full report.
- Closing Session: Hu Jintao Escorted Out Early
During the closing session of the 20th Congress, former General Secretary Hu Jintao was escorted out of the congress hall by staff in view of attendees. No immediate statement was issued during the closing session; a Foreign Ministry spokesperson subsequently stated at a regular press briefing that Hu Jintao was feeling unwell and that staff had accompanied him to rest.
- New Politburo Standing Committee Announced
The day after the close of the 20th Congress, the seven members of the new Politburo Standing Committee were announced. Xi Jinping was re-elected General Secretary; Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi were named as the remaining standing committee members, with no carryover from the previous two standing committees.
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