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Experts: Xi Jinping’s Leadership Similar to Vladimir Putin’s Political Style, Will Push for a Third Term

| Mar 23, 2017 08:54 AM EDT

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have similar leadership styles, experts said.

China politics are in the middle of major changes. The leadership of Xi Jinping, China's core leader, is a major influence in the drastic changes in the country.

The recently concluded Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) proves that the Communist Party is heading to stronger loyalty and allegiance to President Xi.

Analyst Willy Lam observed that the strength of Xi's political will is key in bringing China's politics to a more developed level, which will be sustained by China's future generations.

He said, "So having been designated the core leader, that means he is virtually emperor for life, and that is the message Xi Jinping wants to tell the Chinese people and leaders of other countries, that he will be around to guide the realization of the Chinese Dream."

The greatness of the Chinese leadership of Xi Jinping also poses a big question on succession. In the 19th congress, major changes will be made and the successor will then be determined.

However, there is speculation that Xi will be doing it Putin-style.

According to Jean-Pierre Cabestan, a political scientist at Hong Kong Baptist University, "Xi Jinping is trying to get Putin-ized, as we say in China, and stay longer than his predecessors."

Xi has been steadily consolidating his political presence and has been pushing for a stronger army. He is at the forefront of the Central National Security Commission and Leading Group for Financial and Economic Affairs.

"It looks like he wants to leave a big legacy, and that's why he is, in a sense, emulating President Vladimir Putin, by giving himself a virtual office for life. So, it looks like he might remain the leader as long as he's healthy," said Lam.

Analysts believe that Xi will only choose a successor in five years if he decides to step down. The possibility of a third term is not far from reality.

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