General Cuong: By amending the constitution, China can help Mr. Tap gain absolute power

PV:Major General, are you surprised that the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China officially proposed to remove the provision that "the president and vice president may only serve no more than two consecutive terms"?

Major General Le Van Cuong:The announcement by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China to propose amending the constitution and removing the two-term limit for the positions of president and vice president is not surprising. Before the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2017, there were many rumors in Chinese and international public opinion. In particular, those who understand China's internal political situation through domestic and foreign policies can confidently predict that President Xi Jinping will amend the Party charter and the Constitution.

Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photo: Reuters

PV:Yes, and this issue is of great public concern. In your opinion, why is this amendment being made? For what purpose?

Major General Le Van Cuong:During the 26 years (1943 - 1976) Mao Zedong held all power, besides contributing to the construction of Chinese politics with many achievements and results, Mao Zedong also made many wrong decisions about strategy in foreign and domestic policies that caused the Chinese economy to be exhausted and decline... From these lessons, Deng Xiaoping took power and amended the constitution, including a new regulation, "The President and Vice President (of China) can only serve no more than two consecutive terms" to prevent manifestations of degeneration and abuse of power. This regulation was based on appropriate reality and was supported by the Chinese people.

The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (2017) set out two goals under the guidance of President Xi Jinping. Phase 1 from 2020 to 2035, on the basis of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, continue to strive for another 15 years to basically realize socialist modernization. Phase 2 from 2035 to the mid-21st century, on that foundation, continue to strive for another 15 years, building China into a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, harmonious, and civilized, becoming a country with the leading comprehensive strength and influence in the world. This is an extremely important policy and strategy.

Wang Qishan is Xi Jinping’s most powerful right-hand man, but Wang is 69 years old and was forced to leave the Politburo Standing Committee last October according to the unwritten rule of retirement age. Xi Jinping sees no one in the Politburo who is suitable, capable, or talented enough to replace him and carry the flag high.

From China’s perspective, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has officially proposed to remove the provision that “the president and vice president can only serve no more than two consecutive terms.” If implemented successfully as planned, the “belt and road” is a strategy that helps China gain the strength to reach out to the United States, something that not everyone can do.

Opening ceremony of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photo: AFP/VNA

PV:Major General, what do you think about the international public's approach to this information with many conflicting opinions? According to you, how does Xi Jinping's extension of his term in power affect the world?

Major General Le Van Cuong: There have been many articles about the Chinese Communist Party's proposal to remove the provision limiting the president's term in office to two five-year terms, which would allow President Xi Jinping to continue to hold power after his term ends. From different perspectives, many people believe that this is China's internal affair. However, others believe that after removing the regulation, China will affect the international security and political situation because in the next 10 years, the country's total GDP is likely to surpass that of the United States. Therefore, changes in China's politics and personnel will affect the world.

However, I think whether Xi Jinping will serve a third or fourth term depends on the world. Because all Chinese activities must comply with international laws and ethical standards.

In general, if China has political and personnel changes, countries must adjust their foreign policies.

PV:Thank you, Major General!