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Subscribe to RSSChina's ruling Communist Party has selected Xi Jinping as the country's new leader. Xi faces a faltering economy, environmental issues, demands for political reforms, as well as rampant corruption and public cynicism. NBC's Ian Williams reports.
BEIJING – China’s ruling Communist Party on Thursday selected a new seven-person leadership group fronted by Xi Jinping that will lead the world’s second largest economy for at least the next five years.
Xi, the newly selected party secretary, and his deputy, Li Keqiang -- the new members of the all-important Politburo Standing Committee -- take over a nation whose economy has quadrupled under the leadership of outgoing leader, Hu Jintao, but now faces serious environmental, political and social questions in the near future.
For Xi though, this Standing Committee appears better poised to bring about much-needed reforms than that of his predecessor, Hu.
China’s Communist Party of today governs by consensus. Long gone are the days of “Strong Man” politics where one man – a Mao Zedong or Deng Xiaoping – dictates policy for the country.
This political evolution helped produce the stability that has ushered in unprecedented economic growth.
Remarkably this week saw only the second peaceful leadership transition since the communists took power in 1949.
David Gray / Reuters
A customer stands with restaurant workers underneath a painting of Chinese characters that read "Long-lasting Prosperity", as they watch television showing the new leadership of China's ruling Communist Party.
The new leadership committee announced Thursday represents a rare balance of differing political agendas and alliances.
Men like Li Keqiang – probably the party’s best educated leader – and Wang Qishan – a strong voice for the opening up of China’s economy – are likely to be liberal voices for reform.
Communist Party's Congress grinds on amid widespread indifference in China
Where is China's Vice President? That's the question that can't be answered in Beijing. Even searching for the name of China's Vice President on Chinese social media has been blocked amid increasing rumors about his whereabouts. Xi Jinping has been missing from the public eye for more than week. ITV's Angus Walker reports.
Meanwhile Zhang Dejiang – the faithful party stalwart who took over for the deposed Bo Xilai – and Liu Yunshan – the long-time czar of the Communist Party’s Propaganda Department – represent strong conservative voices.
The other two members, Zhang Gaoli and Yu Zhengsheng, both come from postings in Tianjin and Shanghai respectively and have shown signs of being centrists on issues.
Ironically, it is the new Party Secretary and soon-to-be President, Xi Jinping, who is the greatest mystery – a veritable political cipher.
While the candidates are scrutinized and skewered by the media in the U.S., China's new leader Xi Jinping remains a man of mystery among his citizens. NBC's Ian Williams reports
Yawns and other expressions of boredom as China's Communist Party Congress begins
But that now seems to be the path to the top position in China: The less known about you politically, the greater the chance of promotion.
There have been some questions raised about the various appointments that came out Thursday.
Outgoing President Hu Jintao’s decision to give up his seat on the important Central Military Commission was either a magnanimous demonstration of statesmanship on the part of Hu -- who had to wait two years until his predecessor, Jiang Zemin, gave up the post -- or a resounding defeat as Hu's important political allies did not appear to have made the final seven of the standing committee.
Embassy ballots give Chinese a glimpse of democracy ahead of power transfer
Another intriguing development was the appointment of Wang Qishan to the Communist Party’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.
Wang has garnered a reputation as an effective “fireman” on sensitive issues affecting the party and in recent years has served as a capable counterpart to U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.
But, at a time when serious economic concerns regarding the stalling of market reforms and the rise again of centrally planned, state-owned enterprises in China have plagued Beijing, it is a curious move to shift Wang, the strongest voice for economic reform in the party.
His shift to the top disciplinary position in the party means Wang will be able to bring about positive economic development by attacking a larger issue plaguing both party and country: corruption.
As China’s economy continues to develop in size and sophistication, the need for better standards of practice economically and politically have slowly started to manifest itself.
There is some optimism now that with a reformer like Wang in place, there will eventually be the political will at the highest levels to bring about a serious reckoning on systemic corruption at both national and local levels across the country.
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Good luck with that one.
Only NBC would call supporters of the communist government conservative. Madness.
He has a vast amount of experience and leadership skills. The Chinese are looking to the future of their country and people, if you look at the US, it's a monkey show. You have focused the last ten years to war, building drones and metal detectors. Good luck to you because you will need it....
When the Chinese people demand their freedom the streets will run red with the blood of the oppressors who have done the same to the people they have terrorized for decades.
Carlos
Just FYI: Conservatives are those who want to preserve the Status Quo... In China, Conservatives want to preserve the Maoist state, liberals want to change it.
"Chinese communists pick new ruler" ----there may be shiny skyscrapers and millionaires, but the people have invisible duct tape sealed over their mouths to keep from speaking their own minds. How in the world have we become indebted to and have our own future depend to a degree on a dictatorhsip where the individual has no real freedom. China is currently a censoring regime with a cheap plastic smiley face hiding the reality behind it.
THANK YOU RamFla. Many people don't understand that conservative and liberal are relative terms. I've noticed the same issue has arisen when discussing Muslim conservatives vs. liberals.
Consider this if you want to have your mind blown. Today's U.S. "conservatives" (excluding neo-conservatives) are classical liberals:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_liberalism
long as we keep off shore'n and we keep print'n...they like work'n their ass off we like print'n...work harder china boy ...we send ya some freshly printed...
Carlos communism is closer to conservatism than anything else.
The communists like a state run media where all the information is controled by the communist party, the conservatives like a state run media (fox) where all the information is controlled by the Republican party.
Communists like to put a wall around their country (the iron curtain, the belin wall), conservatives what to put a fence around our country.
Communism will not let the workers unionize, forces them to work for slave wages in hazardous conditions. Conservatism wants to bust the unions forcing workers to work for slave wages in hazardous conditions.
Communists lets industry pollute without regard for the safety of the workers, the enviroment or the people who live in the area. Conservatives want to do away with regulations that stop industry from polluting without regard for the safety of the workers, the environment or the people who live in ther area.
In communist China it is the heads of the communist party who control the corporations and make all the profits, in America it is the heads of the conservative movement who control all the corporations and make all the profit.
Communism likes to micromanage it's peoples lives, telling them what they can read, what they can watch, how many children they can have, which religion the can be. Conservatism likes to micromanage everyones lives, telling them which religion they can be, which books and movies are christian enough for them to watch, telling them who they can marry, even who they can have sex with.
It seems to me that communism and conservatism are a match made in heaven, like peas and carrots, two peas in a pod, identical twins. I can't tell the two apart.
Not a word in the article about immolations by Tibetans, increasing censorship, ongoing human rights abuses, the lack of signs of any political reform toward democracy. The writer even uses the word "respectfully" when he means "respectively." Well, he is far too "respectful" of the corrupt and illegitimate Chinese system.
Oh noes! Not self immolation of tibetans!
Anyone that ignores or makes fun of the Tibetan situation is a moral midget. There seems to be at least one posting today. Maybe its time to set them on fire. Dan's post is right on.
I rather for the Chinese than the Dalai Lama to be in control, unless Tibet becomes a democratic secular state. Surprising enough, what many people don't know is that the Dalai Lama and his priests lived in a rich lifestyle and the poor often starve before the Chinese invasion, the punishments he and his monks (or priests) were often brutal such as eye-gouging.
The Dalai Lama lived in a big palace called the Potala Palace, Google for an image and you'll see that it's not a simple home, it's a sprawling palace that almost makes the city below looks totally small.
China on the other hand have given Tibet a modernized infrastructure such as drinkable water, electricity, tourism, etc.
I say neither of these factions should get Tibet, because what you have is a lesser or two evils scenario.
I second Mouzie's comment. Most Americans (particularly liberals) sympathize with the Dalai Lama, tending to completely ignore the fact that he used to be the absolute ruler of a theocratic state.
That does not justify the Chinese conquest by any means, but it's difficult to dispute that the average Tibetan's quality of life has improved under their rule.
If the people of China really wanted change, they would have it. Ive met a fair number of Chinese over the years, and they have a lot of national pride. Most are not unhappy with their system. Their recent Olympics was an example of that pride.
All the power to them I say.. The Chinese have every right to live under whatever system they choose. Who are we to criticize it. Except for any human rights abuses, we really should stop the bashing of their system. You dont build good relationships when you do. We arent going to change them, any more than they could change us.
The only reason they are enjoying themselves is because of their recent economic growth. A countries true colors show when the country begins to suffer. North Korea is a prime example of this. And guess what country backs North Korea? China
Very true, the vast majority don't even care about what's going on in the government, they just want to work, save and start a business. Just look at Hong Kong when Britain decided to hold an election and I think only a few percent of the population bothered to go vote.
The people of China live in fear of their government. They are closely monitored and for the most part are afraid to say or do anything that might draw attention to themselves and possibly cause retribution. The Chinese people have never been given the opportunity to live any other way and the very idea that they have chosen to live under the tyranny of the communist party is a joke and worse than that propaganda.Why doesn't the government in China allow free elections to see how the people want to live? If they ever do that maybe one could make the case that they are living under a system of their choosing.
Everyone lives in fear of their government, its a normal human trait to be suspicious and buck authority.
If the people were that unhappy, and were been treated bad enough, they would overthrow the government. Theres 3 billion+ Chinese, they have the numbers. Obviously they dont live in that much fear. And as I said, Ive known a number of Chinese, and they dont hate their government near as much as some activists try to make out.
Anybody with real knowledge of Chinese politics would know that this standing committee is not one poised for real reforms and will only bring more corruption and destruction. The fact that Hu stepped down from the central military and got none of his hopefuls on the new standing committee should be the most obvious clue. NBC, you have failed to do any homework. Hopefully the good people of China will rid themselves of this kind of leadership soon.
Between the massive persecution of religious and freedom advocates including the Falun Gong organ harvesting and imprisonment of Christians etc., people need to start making their voices heard, as with any murderous regime, the crimes always come to light when it crumbles. Which stance would you want to be remembered for? Would your parents be proud? Would your children be proud?
That, right there, makes your whole comment null and void, seeing how you started off by talking about real knowledge about China.
Outstanding. Now our business "leaders" can get back to making huge investments in Communist China, all the while complaining about the impending doom of Socialism here in the United States. DO NOT FORGET. When the day comes that these clowns insist you fight a war against China for them, remember, these business "leaders" cared very little for you when you asked for a pay raise. They cared very little for you when your child needed an operation. They cared very little when your home was in foreclosure. They preached about laziness and handouts instead. Remember, and tell them to get their money back from China themselves.
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. I wonder if tanks in Tiannamen (spell?) Square will be running over children in celebration?
Sounds like the writer actually works for these tyrants!
He probably does.....
Hey look, they picked the guy with Mitt Romney's hair.
...and Obama's nose.
Along with all that growth comes people who want to see it continue and prosper .......You cannot have it both ways China ........ You cannot be Communist on human issues and Capitalist on economic issues ....You have a huge human element to deal with ....
Should I tell him or would you like to, we the United States of the once greatest country on earth. Who owe you trillions of dollars will not be able to pay you back, so sorry. That should wipe that barry like shix eating grin off his face!
Let's continue to ship more McDonalds, Burger Kings and Windy's over there....might as well, that's about the only thing they'll buy, while we buy just about everything from them. Would you like a side of sushi with that burger?
Classic American ignorance. I know that sushi bit was a slight against the Chinese, but can you please do your research next time? Sushi is best known for its Japanese connotations. If you're going to demonstrate fervent nationalism, at least make sure it's aimed at the right people?
lol funny about the sushi talk
Not true, they like Buicks, too.
I am convinced that commerce is kryptonite to Communism, which is why my hopes for Cuba are lower than my hopes for China. Cuba is being sustained by the people that hate the regime there the most.
Gonna stop corruption? Good luck with that one. If he is successful, he should run for office in the United States. New York and New Jersey might be a good place to start.
I wonder how many people he will send to hard labor camps for not eating with chop sticks, another freak.
I think number will be closed to our sodiers overseas that most American ignore and haveno udnerstanding or respect for except in rhetoric
This Middle East war pales in comparison to Vietnam, and all previous wars. More men were kill on D-Day , 1 single day, than in the past 10 year war. Sure we regret loss, but you have to see things more clearly. All Americans I know are proud of our troops and have holiday gift drives and such for them, what have you done....., so you my friend don't know your a$$ from a hole in the ground.
in the picture it looks like Obama is saying, basically I dont know what the hell im doing.
Funny:
Communists are looking for a consensus that we desire but not abloe to achieve.
We are in search of a strong leader who can herd Congress and people, establish some sense of who we are and make us great again.
May we should follow Chinese model. Quadrupling economy! What the hell is that? No one accusing China of cooking books like out unemployment numbers
Are you willing to earn 6 to 10 grand a year? Are you capable of living with 30 dollars a month as retirement? if you are and you can, then talk about the Chinese model. It is easy to grow from almost nothing to 4 times almost nothing.
Quadrupling the economy? yes, but the vast majority of the Chinese population still lives in abject poverty.
What consensus? Communism is what is called a 'command' style system of government.
They command, you do, or else.
The people living under communism are no more than cogs in the machine, easily eliminated without the slightest thought to their humanity.
Funny how the liberal lefties so love a command society, where they are the commanders and the rest follow their godly wisdom like automatons.
Well people really should realize how much Chinese themselves hope for a democratic future because i know a lot of young Chinese do
The Chinese just smile and let Obama flap his lips. They know he has no idea of what he is doing or no gumption to get anything done. I'm sure he is taking a few tips on how to transition the US into a dictatorship.
I wonder if Xi will be any more fair to his people and stop lying and stealing from the rest of the world than his previous leader was?
Maybe china will start doing humanitarian projects for the rest of the world instead of stealing nations and murdering their people so china can gain something.
Hey china, in case you haven't heard, that is not the way we do things these days.
How about stopping murdering people and leave them ad their lands alone?
think that is too big of a job for your puny nation
Xi is the right choice for the leader. He will bring China growth to a new height.
Unlike US where most political leaders have little or no prior experience in running the government, Chinese leaders rise through the ranks and have vast amount of apprenticeship experience running key provisional government and central government before assuming the nation's top post.
I agree, Xi Jinping can teach our leaders the ways of running a country and creating new jobs. Our president should watch and learn from Xi Jinping. Obama might learn something.
Oh look...our new landlord.
I hope their NEW LEADERSHIP is NOT CORRUPT like our Republican corporate MONARCHY!
Spoken like a true left winger. If you don't like it here Rose, move to Russia or China, or Canada for that matter. Don't let the door hit you in the rear on your way out!
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss...
Why are all of you assuming the Chinese are not happy? When is the last time you went there? I went there over the summer and I have never seen a happier people in my life! Why must Americans try to enforce their way of thinking and living upon everyone else? That IS the main problem with us. Leave everyone else the @!$%# alone already, and start worrying about yourself for once.
They own the U.S.A.
We will soon be flying China's flag in the U.S.A. thanks to our government bailing out the banks, Freddi Mac, Fannie Mae, etc.
Also, since Clinton borrowed the surplus that had been in Social Security for years to balance the budget, now Social Security is on the brink of disaster.
Also, our government doesn't want to pay our Veterans what they rightfully deserve, and what about Medicare?
This is what the liberals have done to our once precious country. They have sold us out and they keep borrowing money to keep us afloat. The dam is about to break and there is nothing the U.S. citizens will be able to do about it! This is the fault of the stupid politicians that have been running our country for 30k+ years. They have broke our country.
Get ready for the 2nd Great Depression and the fact that we have so many Chinese in our country that are salivating at the fact of the fall of the U.S.A.
Thanks liberals and tree-huggers for over populating our country with crap from other countries and opening our borders to take care of all of these other countries garbage. Sooner or later the money would run out, but these jack asses wanted to save the world and take care of all of these other countries that hate us. Welcome to America, soon to be a communist country!
You complain about the coming collapse of Social Security and Medicare (two of the largest socialist programs in effect today), so I assume you support these programs. Then you start to whine about liberals wrecking everything? I want some of what you're smoking...
Liberals keep fixing the mess left behind by Republicans. If Republicans didn't like starting EXPENSIVE wars and giving tax breaks to the RICH, they would be in office. You need to go away just like all the other loonies who fail to acknowledge the mess your party has made. Also what do you mean pay Veterans what they deserve? I thought they served willingly out of patriotism etc etc. Or did they do it for the pay check? I am glad people like you are starting to become the minority. Get the hell out of our country now. We will fix the mess, we will have to live with the consequences of all the wars you started. The faster you go away the better for us. Schools, colleges, and universities are all producing people these days who DO NOT think like you. Your kind is going away, and the rest of us are HAPPY for it.