How the West misread Xi: China abolished term limits to ensure effective governance, not one-man rule
Keyu Jin says the Western media have portrayed Xi’s extension of power in a negative light even though there are checks on his power, and China today is very different from during the Cultural Revolution. Besides, term limits on leaders in the West show what happens when the inexperienced rule
Term limits are little more than an arbitrary constraint, which is not needed to ensure a competent and responsive government in China. In fact, term limits could do just the opposite, cutting short the tenure of effective leaders, leading to policy disruptions or even political chaos.
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To be sure, term limits have their value. Deng Xiaoping added them to the Chinese constitution after the Cultural Revolution, to prevent the recurrence of chaotic and brutal one-man rule. But the new generation of Chinese leaders is not just well educated, but also well aware of international norms and standards. Unlike the ideological diehards of the past, they can be expected to behave rationally, intelligently and responsibly.
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But a strong leader is not necessarily an autocratic leader. And, in a high-stakes environment, a strong leader is needed to neutralise vested interests that resist crucial reforms. Xi knows the obstacles that blocked the implementation of his initiatives during his first term, and he is committed to overcoming them.
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In any case, the situation is hardly a “one-man show” to the degree that foreign commentary suggests. Half of the members of the Politburo Standing Committee, China’s supreme government body, are not of Xi’s choosing. And compromises were made in the placement of many senior officials, including key cabinet members.
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Moreover, checks and balances, though still inadequate, have been strengthened in recent years. Policy changes require a consensus within the Politburo, especially the Standing Committee. Major issues require the NPC’s approval. Nothing stops deputies from casting a dissenting vote, thanks in part to the growing prevalence of secret ballots. A small but significant feature of this year’s congress was the elimination of the electronic voting system; instead, officials will drop paper slips into a ballot box.
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In the West, government accountability is closely identified with democratic elections. In China, it is a function of how – and how well – the government responds to and protects the needs and interests of the people. Given the sheer complexity of modern China – not to mention the paramount need for the government to continue the country’s progress toward high-income status – success may require leaders to stay in place longer than initially expected. But if recent history is any guide, the recent changes will contribute to making China’s political and economic system increasingly stable – without undermining accountability.