China's Xi Jinping handed historic 3rd term as President

China's Parliament unanimously endorsed an unprecedented third five-year term for President Xi Jinping on March 10, paving the way for him to stay in power for life. Xi was re-elected by the once-in-a-five-year Congress of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) as its leader in October last year, becoming the first Chinese leader after the party founder Mao Zedong to continue in power beyond the two five-year terms.

Xi Jinping was unanimously elected to the top post at the ongoing session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) on Friday. Credit: AFP Photo

With this latest term, Jinping is now being seen as China's most powerful leader in generations. Credit: AFP Photo

The appointment by China's parliament comes after Xi locked in another five years as head of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in October. Credit: AFP Photo

Newly-elected National People's Congress Chairman Zhao Leji (L) shakes hands with China's President Xi Jinping during the third plenary session of the National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing. Credit: AFP Photo

Newly-elected Vice President Han Zheng (C) shakes hands with China's President Xi Jinping (R) during the third plenary session of the National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing. Credit: AFP Photo

Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Vice President Wang Qishan during the Third Plenary Session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing. Credit: Reuters Photo

Votes for Chinese President Xi Jinping are displayed during the Third Plenary Session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, China. Credit: Reuters Photo

PLA soldiers stand in front of a copy of China's constitution as they prepare for Jinping to swear an oath after being re-elected for a third term during the third plenary session of the National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing. Credit: AFP Photo