Xi Jinping has been reappointed as president of Communist China for a third five-year term, solidifying his control and making him the longest-serving head of state since 1949. His reappointment was largely seen as a formality, after he secured a norm-shattering third term as head of the Chinese Communist Party in October. His move to stay in power for life has been seen as a sign of increasing authoritarianism, but his leadership has been credited with bringing stability and economic growth to the country.
