For the Shanghai political scientist Chen Daoyin, Xi Jinping is already one of the most powerful leaders in China since the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949. In terms of domestic and foreign policy, China’s president is stabilizing his power with clear words and actions, and he has a firm grip on the reformed People’s Liberation Army with its two million soldiers. Now the head of state has also taken command of the 900,000-strong Armed Police Force. This elite paramilitary force is responsible for internal security “as the guardian of the communist system”. Their duties include guarding party leaders, embassies and party and government buildings.
