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Xi Jinping warns China will crush ‘any attempt to separate an inch of territory of our great country’ in keynote speech

President sends out strong nationalist message in closing speech to National People’s Congress

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Xi Jinping addressing the closing ceremony. Photo: Simon Song

President Xi Jinping spoke at the closing of China’s National People’s Congress today.

This year’s NPC carried special meaning for Xi. His status as the most powerful Chinese leader in decades was cemented over the course of the 16-day event. 

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The constitution was changed to remove presidential term limits – allowing him to stay on as head of state for as long as he sees fit.

The political theories that bear his name were also enshrined in the constitution, giving him the same political status as Mao Zedong and the former paramount leader Deng Xiaoping.

He also reshuffled the government and placed his trusted aides, including vice-president Wang Qishan, in key positions concerning the economy, relations with the US and the battle against corruption. 

Xi addressed the legislature and the nation as the landmark session closed.

Six key points from Xi Jinping’s speech wrapping up China’s national congress

10:05am The end

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