Xi has set about transforming the political structure of the Chinese Communist Party, particularly the Politburo, in order to strengthen China for a battle against Taiwan.
Ma Xiaohe, the former head of a government think tank, believes that China’s ‘wealth accumulation mechanism is very fragile’ amid the recent common prosperity drive following last month’s 20th party congress.
Promotion to the apex of power eluded the 62-year-old in reshuffle but observers say he is still likely to make it to the top team in another five years.
Xi’s appointees to China’s top military decision-making and command body boast combat experience and Taiwan expertise. While this doesn’t necessarily portend a confrontation in the Taiwan Strait, it does point to a more military-focused approach to the Taiwan issue.
The value of deals signed during the six-day China International Import Expo in Shanghai rose 3.9 per cent year on year to US$73.5 billion. There were 100 fewer exhibitors and 19,000 less visitors versus last year.