CNN discussion on Xi Jinping's entrenched power and lack of heir

CNN HOST: Absolutely, well certainly but breaking precedent by not having a young leader coming up behind him and we discussed this yesterday. The transfer of Mr. Xi will remain in power for many more years to come, perhaps revive the position of party chairman and stick around indefinitely. RLK: There’s no question about the power and longevity of Xi. I would put it a little differently. I’d say that it is not even necessary for him to have the party chairmanship or any particular title because of his overarching power by having his name associated with “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era” - that whole phrase is now in the Party Constitution. Moreover, he already had the designation of “Core” of the Party. NO HEIR APPARENT TO CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING OW RLK: So those two elements - name in Constitution and Core - are totally overarching over any particular title. That said, not having a younger member of the Standing Committee who is an obvious candidate for future leadership, prevents there being a separate power center that could undermine what Xi wants to do. So the fact that Xi will be there until, potentially, the mid-2030s is very real. I think now we should shift our attention to what Xi Jinping wants to do. We need to look at the policies he is putting forth, and see what they mean for China and for the world. HOST: And I want to touch on that in a moment, but given this power and position afforded to him in the constitution no less, I mean where is room for discussion? Wednesday HO CHINA'S NEW POWER PLAYERS 7 CHINA'S NEW POWER PLAYERS HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_032639