Beijing, China – In a ceremonial vote held yesterday, Xi Jinping has been elected as China’s president for an unprecedented third term. The 67-year-old leader secured a second five-year term in 2018 after an amendment was made to the country’s constitution, removing the two-term limit.

The vote, carried out by the National People’s Congress, saw Xi Jinping unanimously elected to lead the country once again. In a show of support, 2,961 of the 2,964 deputies voted in favor of Jinping, with only three abstentions.

Xi Jinping has been credited with leading China to become the world’s second-largest economy and enhancing its military prowess during his tenure. However, his leadership has also sparked criticism for increasing government control over the media and limiting political freedoms.

Speaking after the vote, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang praised Xi Jinping’s leadership and highlighted his efforts in improving the country’s economy and technology.

This historic third term as president places Xi Jinping among the highest-ranking leaders in the country’s history, alongside Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. Jinping now faces the challenge of maintaining stability and continuing to drive China’s development in the face of global economic uncertainty and increasing trade tensions with the United States.

The formal inauguration ceremony for Xi Jinping’s third term is expected to take place during the annual session of the National People’s Congress in March.