China sets stage for Xi to stay in office indefinitely

Beijing

CHINA'S ruling Communist Party (CCP) on Sunday set the stage for President Xi Jinping to stay in office indefinitely, with a proposal to remove a constitutional clause limiting presidential service to just two terms in office.

Since taking office more than five years ago, Mr Xi has overseen a radical shake-up of the party, including taking down top leaders once thought untouchable as part of his popular war on deep-rooted corruption. Sunday's announcement, carried by state news agency Xinhua, gave few details.

It said the proposal had been made by the party's Central Committee, the largest of its elite ruling bodies. The proposal also covers the vice-president position. Mr Xi, 64, is currently required by China's constitution to step down as president after t…