Arguably the most important political meeting in China, the 19th communist party congress
wrapped up this week in Beijing's Great Hall of the People.
The twice-a-decade gathering is a venue for the Chinese leader to layout his vision and
for outsiders, a way to see how much power he has consolidated.
We turn to our Kim Hyesung for the key takeaways of the event.
Prosperous, strong, culturally advanced and harmonious.
A national rejuvenation...
(Chinese) 3621 "We should strive for the great success of
socialism with Chinese characteristics in a new era, realize the Chinese Dream of national
rejuvenation, and see that our people realize their aspirations for a better life."
At the 19th Communist Party Congress, President Xi Jinping mapped out his vision for the country.
The China Dream, to become “moderately prosperous" by 2020 and “a modern socialist strong power'
by 2049.
And all this under the guidance of the communist party and President Xi's philosophy.
(standup) "President Xi's vision, or ‘The Xi Jinping
Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era’, was enshrined in the Communist
Party Charter on the last day of the congress, making it a guiding principle of the party
and confirming President Xi’s status as the nation's most powerful leader in decades.
This seals Xi's status ahead of his two immediate predecessors and level with Deng Xiaoping
and Mao Zedong, the only two leaders who have had their names added to the constitution.
The move means whoever opposes President Xi or his policies betrays the party, making
Xi effectively unassailable.
And the five new members added to the Party's top governing Politburo Standing Committee
look set to give Xi even more power.
(Korean) "The five new members are all in their 60s,
meaning none of them would be an heir apparent.
And President Xi did not appoint a successor, breaking away from convention, allowing him
to avoid being a lame-duck in the second term."
Having consolidated his political power, President Xi is expected to continue his anti-corruption
campaign, purge rival factions and push for economic reform as China, the world's second
largest economy, faces risks like falling into the 'middle income trap' and growing
income inequality.
(Korean) "In his second term, President Xi is likely
to push for the restructuring of China's state owned banks, solve its oversupply problems
and mortgage debt, which is a must for China's sustainable growth.
This will likely slow down economic growth, so for Korea, a change in an export strategy
is needed."
President Xi is not just solidifying his power at home, but also casting his eyes abroad
with a more assertive foreign policy.
(standup) "In his three-and-a-half-hour speech, President
Xi mentioned the phrase 'strong power' 26 times, and said China has entered a new era
where it should take center stage in the world."
That move toward center stage is backed by stronger military power and Xi's signature
cross-continental one belt one road project.
President Xi has vowed to contribute to the common destiny of mankind, but at the same
time:
(Chinese) "No one should expect China to swallow anything
that undermines its interests."
raising concerns of more clashes in South China Sea, strained Taiwan-China relations,
and for Korea, the THAAD issue.
(Korean) "By pressuring Seoul through THAAD retaliatory
measures, China has only strengthened the alliance between the U.S., South Korea and
Japan, which goes against China's national interest.
So, a shift in THAAD policy, at least separating politics from economics is expected.
South Korea is a key partner for China in the region, I mean even the 'One Belt One
Road', it needs support, not conflict with over 60 countries."
At a new historic juncture in China's development and a time when U.S. president Donald Trump
calls for a protectionist 'America First' policy, President Xi has vowed to secure a
brighter future for his country.
Mao founded China, Deng reformed the country, and now Xi has vowed to extend their legacy
to a new level.
(Korean) "China is a one part state and now, President
Xi is the most powerful man in China in generations.
If he uses this power to root out corruption and push for political reform, China will
become even more powerful.
But if Xi Jinping uses his authority to boost his own power, as we've seen during Mao Zedong's
late rule, China could fall into chaos."
Kim Hyesung, Arirang News.