Li Qiang holds the rank second in the Communist Party, and on a Saturday was named the new prime minister by President Xi Jinping, who also serves as general secretary of the party. This marks a continuation of Xi’s leadership and a consolidation of authority at the top of the Chinese state.
Confirmations for a third term were announced yesterday as Xi signed the presidential order to appoint Li at a plenary session of the National People’s Assembly, held at the Great Hall of the People. The move underscores a stable, long-range plan for China’s governance and economic strategy.
Support to the economy
Li, who previously led Shanghai, the country’s primary commercial hub, faces the challenge of steering the world’s second-largest economy toward renewed growth. His background in business circles and governance at a municipal level positions him to implement policies aimed at unlocking investment, stabilizing markets, and promoting sustainable development across provinces.
Born in 1959, Li will take over from Li Keqiang after a decade in the role. The shift occurs as Xi has surrounded himself with trusted allies, reinforcing a governance structure that emphasizes centralized direction. This transition follows a party congress in October that reinforced Xi’s control over the regime and signaled a new phase of policy execution.
Li’s stated mission includes advancing guidelines to revitalize the economy and pursue scientific and technological self-sufficiency. This comes at a time when China seeks to reduce dependency on foreign supplies and mitigate external pressures, including trade and technology restrictions, by strengthening domestic capabilities and innovation ecosystems.
Additionally, the National People’s Assembly approved the appointment of Zhang Youxia and He Weidong as deputy ministers of the Central Military Commission, while Zhang Jun was named chairman of the Supreme People’s Court. These appointments align with a broader vision of capable governance across political and security institutions.
Renewal process
The National People’s Assembly meeting marks a structural renewal that consolidates Xi’s power and paves the way for a third five-year presidential term (2023-2028). A constitutional amendment in 2018 removed the two consecutive five-year term limits for presidents, enabling this longer trajectory of leadership.
New appointments were made during yesterday’s session, including Han Zheng as Vice President and Zhao Leji as chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, roles that correspond to the head of the legislature. These changes reflect a coordinated effort to maintain stability and continuity within the state apparatus.
Further, Wang Huning, a longtime ally of Xi, was named chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the country’s top political advisory body. This appointment, along with changes in the top leadership, signals a synchronized approach to policy, governance, and social guidance at the highest levels.
Yesterday’s proceedings also confirmed Xi’s third term as head of the Central Military Commission, a position that equates to the commander-in-chief of China’s armed forces. Earlier in the year, Xi reaffirmed his post as general secretary of the Communist Party, further strengthening control over the party, the state, and the army. The result is a governance structure with unified direction across State, PCCh, and the military, aiming to ensure policy coherence and strategic preparedness across national priorities.