As Xi Jinping nears the end of his first five-year term as China's president, experts are wondering whether he could eventually seek a third term. Under China's constitution, a president can serve up to two terms.
Political scientist Jean-Pierre Cabestan of the Hong Kong Baptist University noted that many observers believe that Xi will wait until it's near the end of his second term in 2022 before naming his successor.
Xi, who is firmly in control of China, is considered to be the country's most powerful leader.
During China's National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in early March, delegates repeatedly referred to Xi as "core leader of the Party," something that was not done for his predecessor, Hu Jintao.
The term "core leader of the Party" was used for Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.
According to Willy Lam, who studies China's leadership, being designated as a "core leader" means that Xi is "virtually emperor for life."
Chen Min'er, Communist Party Secretary of Guizhou Province, has been identified as a possible candidate for the presidency after Xi Jinping completes his terms of office.
Since Xi became head of China's Communist Party in 2012, he has aggressively strengthened his power. While being General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Xi also heads the Central National Security Commission and the Leading Group for Financial and Economic Affairs.
Experts believe that this signifies that he plans to stay in office for many years.
However, for Xi to stay more than 10 years as president, it would require an amendment of China's constitution.
Experts are waiting for what will happen in October or November this year when the 19th Communist Party Congress will be held. Many changes are expected in the Party's central leadership during the political event.