China: Xi Jinping wants to expand power for the next few years at party congress (video)

STORY: In China, head of state and party leader Xi Jinping opened the 20th Congress of the Communist Party on Sunday. In his speech in Beijing, Xi focused on the key issues for the coming days. Among other things, it should deal with national security, the economy, corona prevention measures, the situation in Hong Kong and the reunification with Taiwan. Xi swore to the 2,300 delegates present from all over the country that the next five years would be crucial for China’s expansion of power and that the country’s “story” had to be told better: “We want to show that China is credible, lovable and respectable is,” he said. The 69-year-old has set China on an increasingly authoritarian course that prioritizes security, state control of the economy, more assertive diplomacy, a stronger military and the takeover of democratically-ruled Taiwan. Four years ago, Xi also abolished presidential term limits, clearing the way for a third term as general secretary of the ruling Communist Party. The party congress of the Communist Party in China takes place every five years and sets the political, economic and personnel course. The appointment of a new Prime Minister and Speaker of Parliament is expected in the coming week. Xi is expected to unveil his new Politburo Standing Committee next Saturday.