China’s leaders from Mao to Xi

China’s Communist Party plans to repeal constitutional limits of just two five-year terms in office to allow President Xi Jinping, who is also party leader and commander-in-chief, to stay in power indefinitely

Mao Zedong 1949-76: Chairman Mao founds People’s Republic of China – hardline state controlled by Communist Party – following Soviet ideology and political system.

Great Leap Forward leads to famine and deaths of millions, Cultural Revolution cripples economy

Deng Xiaoping 1978-92: Deng adapts Marxism to accept reform. Open Door policy allows
foreign businesses to operate in China – economy flourishes.

Legacy tarnished by ruthless suppression of pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989

Jiang Zemin 1993-2003: Jiang further breaks with communist orthodoxy by embracing business people, academics and public celebrities.

China joins World Trade Organization

Hu Jintao 2002-2012: Economy quadruples in size, replacing Japan as world’s second-largest
after United States.

Hu’s assertive foreign policy creates tension with Asian neighbours

Xi Jinping 2012-18: During first term as president, Xi boosts military and domestic security, and pursues China’s claims in South China Sea.

Xi launches anti-corruption campaign, embarks on new Silk Road trade route, and enshrines his name in party constitution


Sources: The Diplomat, Financial Times, Reuters 
Pictures: Associated Press 
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