China's Parliament preparing to offer president Xi Jinping a lifetime mandate
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China's parliament kicks off its most significant meeting, preparing to offer President Xi Jinping a lifetime mandate to mould the Asian giant into a global superpower.
Thousands of Chinese legislators gathered in the imposing great hall of the people in a session that will make Xi the most powerful leader since Mao Zedong, concentrating the growing might of the military, economy and state in the hands of one man.
As Xi looked on from a stage dominated by mostly male party leaders in dark suits, Premier Li Keqiang delivered a report warning that the country is fighting three critical battles against financial risks, poverty and pollution.
The report drafted by the communist party will remove the two-term limit for the presidency, inscribe Xi's name in the state constitution and create a new national anti-corruption agency.
This would allow the 64-year-old leader to stay on as party chief, head of the military and President beyond 2023, when his second term is due to end.
APP/AFP
