Will Xi Jinping Retire at the CCP’s Fourth Plenary Session?

The rare absence of a military vice-chairman alongside Xi when he met with military representatives in Kunming is fueling speculation about his future.

Xi Jinping, bottom, is applauded as he arrives to the closing session of the National People's Congress at The Great Hall Of The People in Beijing on March 20, 2018. Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

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Will Xi Jinping ever step down as leader? The question has haunted Chinese politics ever since 2018, when he abolished the term limits for the communist regime’s presidency and vice-presidency, to become the first leader to secure a third term in 2022.