RULER FOR LIFE

China’s Xi Jinping Reappointed President Indefinitely

After the country scrapped presidential term limits in a move critics say may lead to further political repression.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping was reappointed on Saturday with no term limits. The National People’s Congress unanimously voted in favor of the move, just a week after the legislature approved a constitutional amendment scrapping presidential term limits. Xi ally Wang Qishan, who previously led anti-corruption efforts, was appointed to the post of vice president and will also be allowed to rule without term limits. Xi has been compared to dictator Mao Zedong for his recent consolidation of power, and critics warn his indefinite rule will lead to further political repression and human rights violations. After receiving a standing ovation on his reappoint Saturday, Xi vowed to “strenuously struggle to build a rich, strong, democratic and civilized” country in his next term.