Xi Jinping outlines challenges for China

International Desk: Chinese President Xi Jingping told a Communist Party congress on Wednesday to 'resolutely oppose' any actions that undermine its leadership.

"We must do more to protect our people's interest and firmly oppose all moves that damage their interest or put distance between the party and the people," Xi said at the opening session of a gathering that is expected to consolidate his power.

Xi entered a packed chamber in Beijing's imposing Great Hall of the People, along with his two predecessors Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin, to roll out the party's vision for the next five years as he prepares to secure a second term as general secretary.

Authorities stepped up policing for the week-long congress, with red armband-wearing "security volunteers" fanning out across the capital, karaoke bars closing and online kitchenware firms even suspending knife sales.

The 64-year-old leader, who was to give his speech in front of a huge hammer and sickle in the hall's chamber, is expected to use the congress to stack the Communist Party's leadership with loyalists.

The CCP will amend its constitution to add Xi's "new vision and thinking" on governance, congress spokesman Tuo Zhen said, without indicating whether Xi's name would also be added.

Source: Agencies

risingbd/Dhaka/October 18, 2017/A K Azad