Chinese legislature to rubber stamp appointment of high ranking officials

Leaders of the State Central Military Commission are to be elected by the National People’s Congress today amid the largest restructuring of the Chinese government in years.

Earlier this week the rubber-stamp legislature approved the removal of presidential term limits, securing President Xi Jinping’s hold over the state. Now lawmakers will focus on filling high ranking government offices in various departments. Additionally, the congress will approve a massive plan to reorganise government agencies.

The restructuring entails merging some ministries and creating other entirely new ones which target various issues facing the country, such as public health and pollution. International issues will also gain administrations in areas such as foreign aid and immigration policy.

Such an overhaul represents China’s priorities over the next few years—increasing welfare domestically while expanding influence abroad. Strengthening government oversight while removing presidential term limits may also demonstrate Xi’s attempt to rule through state institutions as well as party rhetoric. Expect this to legitimise his control through formal titles while maintaining powerful propaganda in the coming years.