Xi Jinping will have no limit to his term, but what about leaders in the rest of the world?
Angela Merkel has been chancellor of Germany for over 12 years, while Shinzo Abe is on his fourth term as prime minister of Japan
While the presidency in China is largely a ceremonial post domestically – Xi’s real power comes as general secretary of the Communist Party and chairman of the Central Military Commission, on which there are no term limits – the title does carry weight internationally as it enables its holder to meet other heads of state on an equal footing.
Germany
The head of government, or chancellor, is not subject to any term restrictions as long as he or she retains a majority in the lower house of the federal parliament, or Bundestag, which itself has a term of four years.
Germany also has a president, but this is a ceremonial role with a limit of two consecutive five-year terms.
Japan
Japanese prime ministers stay in power for a maximum of four years per term, but there are no limits on the number of terms an individual can serve.
Russia
Russian presidents can serve an unlimited number of six-year terms as long as they are not consecutive, while there are no such restrictions on the less powerful role of prime minister.
Vladimir Putin, the current president, has played the system to his advantage by switching back and to between the two roles with Dmitry Medvedev. Putin first held the presidency from 2000-08, after which he served as prime minister under Medvedev, before reclaiming the leader’s chair in 2012.
United States
The 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution in 1951 placed a limit of two four-year terms on the presidency. While the inaugural 1787 charter had no such restriction, when George Washington refused to pursue a third term in 1797, he started the tradition of presidents serving only two terms.
Britain
While there are no limits on the number of terms a British prime minister can serve, they must maintain the support of the House of Commons, which has a maximum term of five years. The leader of the party that gains the most votes in the general election is invited by the monarch to form a government as prime minister.
Singapore
The head of government in Singapore is the prime minister. Elections are held every five years but there are no term limits.
Philippines
South Korea