How Are China’s President and Premier Elected?: Election by the National People's Congress and Upcoming Schedule

The System for Selecting a Nation's Leader

This article is based on information current as of October 15, 2026.

In China, there are no elections in which the people directly elect the President or the Premier. Both the President and the Premier of the State Council are appointed by the National People's Congress (hereinafter referred to as the NPC).

The Role and Term of Office of the National People's Congress

The Constitution of the People's Republic of China stipulates that the National People's Congress is the highest organ of state power. The National People's Congress is composed of representatives elected by the provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the central government, special administrative regions, and the armed forces. (Source: Chinese Government Website, “Constitution of the People's Republic of China”)

The term of the National People's Congress is five years. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress must complete the election of delegates to the next National People's Congress no later than two months before the expiration of the current term. If elections cannot be held due to extraordinary circumstances, the Standing Committee may, by a vote of at least two-thirds of all its members, postpone the elections and extend the term. (Source: Chinese Government Website, “Constitution of the People’s Republic of China”)

The National People's Congress convenes once a year. (Source: Chinese Government Website, "Constitution of the People's Republic of China")

Election of the President

The Constitution stipulates that the National People’s Congress shall elect the President and Vice President of the State. Any citizen who is at least 45 years of age and possesses the right to vote and to be elected may be elected President of the State. The term of office of the President of the State is the same as that of the National People’s Congress. (Source: Chinese Government Website, “Constitution of the People’s Republic of China”)

In the event of a vacancy in the office of President, the Vice President shall assume the duties of the President. (Source: Chinese Government Website, “Constitution of the People’s Republic of China”)

The National People's Congress also has the authority to remove the President of the People's Republic of China, the Premier of the State Council, and the Chairman of the Central Military Commission (中央军事委员会) from office. (Source: Chinese Government Website, “Constitution of the People’s Republic of China”)

Decision of the Premier of the State Council

The State Council is the Central People’s Government and the highest state administrative organ. The Premier of the State Council is appointed by the National People’s Congress upon the nomination of the President. Vice Premiers and the ministers of various departments are appointed by the National People’s Congress upon the nomination of the Premier. (Source: Chinese Government Website, “Constitution of the People’s Republic of China”)

The term of office for the State Council is the same as that of the National People's Congress. The Constitution stipulates that the Premier, Vice Premiers, and State Councilors may serve no more than two consecutive terms. (Source: Chinese Government Website, “Constitution of the People’s Republic of China”)

The following is a summary of this article. The provisions regarding the President of the State in the Constitution included in this document do not contain wording equivalent to the phrase “up to two consecutive terms” found in the provisions regarding the Premier. The Constitution included in this document reflects the text as of the amendment on March 11, 2018. (Source: Chinese Government Website, “Constitution of the People’s Republic of China”)

Central Military Commission

The Central Military Commission exercises leadership over the armed forces nationwide. The Chairman of the Central Military Commission is elected by the National People’s Congress, and the other members are appointed by the National People’s Congress upon the Chairman’s nomination. (Source: Chinese Government Website, “Constitution of the People’s Republic of China”)

Leadership of the Communist Party of China and Party Personnel Appointments

Article 1 of the Constitution stipulates that the leadership of the Communist Party of China is the most essential feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics. (Source: Chinese Government Website, “Constitution of the People’s Republic of China”)

The Constitution of the Communist Party of China stipulates that the Party’s National Congress shall be convened once every five years. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, it cannot be postponed. The General Secretary of the Party is elected by the Plenary Session of the Central Committee and is selected from among the members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau. (Source: Ministry of Ecology and Environment, “Constitution of the Communist Party of China”)

The current Party Constitution was adopted on October 22, 2022, following partial amendments made at the 20th National Congress. (Source: Ministry of Ecology and Environment, “Constitution of the Communist Party of China”)

Political parties other than the Communist Party of China

A white paper published by the Chinese government in 2021 explains that China’s political party system includes the Communist Party of China, eight democratic parties, and non-partisan individuals. The white paper defines the democratic parties as neither opposition parties nor parties in the opposition, but rather as political parties that participate in the governance of the nation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. (Source: Chinese Government Website, “China’s New Type of Party System”)

For this reason, elections in which the ruling party and the opposition compete for seats are not part of the National People's Congress's election system (as summarized in this article).

March 2023 Election

The current President and Premier were elected at the first session of the 14th National People's Congress in March 2023.

On March 10, 2023, the National People's Congress elected Xi Jinping (习近平) as President of the State and Chairman of the Central Military Commission. In the election for President, Xi received all the votes cast by the delegates in attendance. (Source: Supreme People’s Court, “First Session of the 14th National People’s Congress Elects New National Leaders”)

This election was conducted as an “equal-quota election.” An equal-quota election refers to an election in which the number of candidates equals the number of seats to be filled (as explained in this article). A designated area for casting secret ballots was set up at the venue. (Source: Supreme People’s Court, “First Session of the 14th National People’s Congress Elects New National Leaders”)

On the following day, March 11, 2023, the National People’s Congress, based on the nomination by President Xi Jinping, elected Li Qiang (李强) as Premier of the State Council. President Xi signed Presidential Decree No. 1, appointing Li Qiang as Premier of the State Council. (Source: NPC Website, “4th Plenary Session of the 1st Session of the 14th National People’s Congress”)

On the same day, the National People's Congress appointed Zhang Youxia (张又侠) and He Weidong (何卫东) as vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission. (Source: NPC.gov, “4th Plenary Session of the 1st Session of the 14th National People's Congress”)

Schedule until the next milestone

The major events are listed in chronological order. The sources cited in this article do not specify the dates of the 2027 Party Congress or the 2028 National People's Congress.

Here are the calculations for this article. The Party Constitution stipulates that the Party Congress is held once every five years, and the 20th Congress was held in 2022. Therefore, the next Party Congress is expected to take place in 2027. The term of the National People’s Congress is five years, and the first session of the 14th National People’s Congress was held in March 2023. Therefore, it is expected that the President and Premier will be elected at the first session of the next National People’s Congress in 2028.

The Current Situation

Investigation into Party and Military Discipline

On October 17, 2025, China’s Ministry of National Defense announced that He Weidong, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, and eight others had been expelled from the Party. The Ministry of National Defense stated that the nine individuals had committed serious violations of Party discipline and were suspected of serious official misconduct. (Source: Chinese Ministry of National Defense, “Party and Military Membership Revoked for He Weidong and Eight Others”)

On September 21, 2026, a meeting of the Party’s Political Bureau decided to expel Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, and Liu Zhenli (刘振立), a member of the Central Military Commission, from the Party. The allegations against the two men will be referred to military prosecutorial authorities. This disciplinary action is scheduled to be ratified at a plenary session of the Central Committee. (Source: Chinese Ministry of National Defense, “Stripping Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli of Their Party and Military Membership”)

Based on the information in this article, both of the vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission appointed by the National People's Congress in March 2023 have been expelled from the Party.

At the Politburo meeting held on September 21, it was decided that the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee would be held in Beijing from October 26 to 29. It was also decided that a draft resolution on comprehensively and strictly governing the Party would be deliberated at this plenary session. (Source: Chinese Government Website, “The Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Holds a Meeting”)

He Weidong and Zhang Youxia were both members of the Party’s Central Political Bureau. (Source: Chinese Ministry of National Defense, “He Weidong and Eight Others Stripped of Party and Military Membership”; Chinese Ministry of National Defense, “Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli Stripped of Party and Military Membership”)

A report compiled by Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council on the situation in China during the fourth quarter of 2025 states that the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (中央纪律检查委员会) of the Communist Party of China investigated 65 centrally administered officials in 2025, the highest number during Xi’s tenure. (Source: Mainland Affairs Council, “Report on the Situation in Mainland China,” press reference materials)

Economy

According to preliminary figures from China’s National Bureau of Statistics, gross domestic product for the first half of 2026 increased by 4.7% compared to the same period last year, with a 4.3% increase in the second quarter. (Source: National Bureau of Statistics, “Preliminary Figures on Gross Domestic Product for the Second Quarter and First Half of 2026”)

According to a report by Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, China’s economic growth rate in 2025 was 5%.The report compiles forecasts from 22 international organizations and think tanks, stating that China’s economic growth rate for 2026 is projected to range from 4.0% to 4.8%, with an average of 4.5%. (Source: Mainland Affairs Council, “Report on the Situation in Mainland China,” Press Reference Materials)

The same report states that social protests increased in China in the second half of 2025, citing the economic slowdown and youth unemployment as the reasons. This is the view of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council. (Source: Mainland Affairs Council, “Report on the Situation in Mainland China,” Press Reference Materials)

The Fourth Session of the National People’s Congress, which concluded on March 12, 2026, approved the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan. In his closing remarks, Zhao Leji (赵乐际), Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, stated that the session’s achievements demonstrated a high degree of alignment between the Party’s policies and the will of the people. Chairman Zhao also emphasized the need to uphold the unity of Party leadership, the people’s role as masters of the country, and governance according to law. (Source: Ministry of Ecology and Environment, “The Fourth Session of the 14th National People’s Congress Concludes in Beijing”)

According to the figures in the document, the number of delegates who were supposed to attend this closing session was lower than that of the session held on March 10, 2023. The documents do not explain the reason for this discrepancy. (Sources: Ministry of Ecology and Environment, “The Fourth Session of the 14th National People’s Congress Concludes in Beijing”; Supreme People’s Court, “The First Session of the 14th National People’s Congress Elects New National Leaders”)

U.S.-China Summit Diplomacy

According to the White House, President Trump visited China in May 2026. This was the first visit by a U.S. president to China since 2017. The two leaders agreed to build a constructive and strategically stable relationship based on fairness and reciprocity, and decided to establish U.S.-China trade and investment committees. China has committed to purchasing at least $17 billion worth of U.S. agricultural products annually in 2026 (pro-rated from mid-year), 2027, and 2028. (Source: White House “Briefing Materials on the Outcomes of the U.S.-China Summit (May 2026),” White House “Briefing Materials on President Xi Jinping’s State Visit (September 2026)”)

According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Xi Jinping arrived in the U.S. capital on September 23, 2026, for a state visit to the United States. In a written statement, President Xi Jinping said that China and the United States should be partners, not competitors. (Source: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “President Xi Jinping Arrives in Washington”)

According to the White House, during this visit, the two leaders launched the trade and investment committees they had agreed to establish in May. The two countries agreed on recommendations to provide favorable tariff treatment for $30 billion worth of goods in each direction. The two leaders have expressed their intention to attend summit meetings hosted by the other country. (Source: White House, “Background Briefing on President Xi Jinping’s State Visit (September 2026)”)

The 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, hosted by China, will be held in Shenzhen on November 18–19, 2026. (Source: Chinese Government Website, “Schedule for the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit”)

Taiwan's Relations with Neighboring Countries

A report by Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council states that the leaders of the United States and China held telephone discussions on November 24, 2025, and February 4, 2026. According to the report, during these discussions, President Xi emphasized that Taiwan’s return to China is an integral part of the postwar international order and urged the United States to exercise caution regarding arms sales to Taiwan. (Source: Mainland Affairs Council, “Report on the Situation in Mainland China,” Press Reference Materials)

The same report states that China conducted military exercises around Taiwan at the end of December 2025. The report also notes that China criticized Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae (高市早苗)’s remarks regarding Taiwan and intensified pressure on Japan. According to the same report, the Japanese side has stated that it remains open to dialogue with China. (Source: Mainland Affairs Council, “Report on the Situation in Mainland China,” Press Reference Materials)

Differences in the Parties' Accounts

On the Chinese side, Chairman Zhao Leji stated that the Party must uphold Party leadership, the people’s status as masters of the country, and the rule of law as an integrated whole, and that it must uphold the system of the National People’s Congress. The Politburo meeting noted that exercising strict Party discipline across the board will enhance the Party’s ability to govern over the long term. (Source: Ministry of Ecology and Environment, “The 4th Session of the 14th National People’s Congress Concludes in Beijing”; China Government Online, “The Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Holds a Meeting”)

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council noted that, regarding China in the fourth quarter of 2025, the Communist Party of China is wary of public gatherings and is under pressure to maintain stability, and stated that economic and financial risks are on the rise. (Source: Mainland Affairs Council, “Report on the Situation in Mainland China,” press reference materials)

The U.S. government has described the two summit meetings in 2026 as part of efforts to stabilize trade and investment relations. (Source: White House, “Briefing Materials on the Outcomes of the U.S.-China Summit (May 2026)”; White House, “Briefing Materials on President Xi Jinping’s State Visit (September 2026)”)

Scenario Analysis

The following is an analysis, not a statement of fact. It presents three scenarios for how personnel appointments for the positions of President and Premier might unfold leading up to the 2027 Party Congress and the 2028 National People’s Congress. I will not comment on which scenario is preferable. The sources cited in this article do not indicate an official policy regarding whether Xi will remain in office beyond 2027. Therefore, we will consider both scenarios: one in which Xi remains in office and one in which a transition to a new top leader takes place.

Four Factors That Make the Difference

1. Continuity or Preparation for a Leadership Transition: The Party Constitution stipulates that the General Secretary is elected by the Central Committee, and the Constitution’s provisions regarding the President of the State contain no language limiting consecutive terms. The 2027 Party Congress will be a turning point in determining whether the leadership opts for continuity or signals preparations for a transition.
2. Expansion of Disciplinary Investigations: Following the disciplinary actions taken against nine officials in October 2025, Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, and others were disciplined in September 2026. Both vice chairmen who were disciplined were members of the Politburo. According to Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, 65 centrally managed officials were investigated in 2025 (the breakdown is not provided in the document). A key turning point will be whether future investigations extend to Politburo members outside the military and to the core of the State Council.
3. Economic Trends: The growth rate for the first half of 2026 was 4.7%, with the second quarter at 4.3% (National Bureau of Statistics). The growth forecast for 2026 ranges from 4.0% to 4.8% (compiled by Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council). Whether the growth rate falls within this range or falls short of it will be the deciding factor.
4. Developments in U.S.-China Relations: Following the summit meetings in May and September 2026, the two countries began activating their trade and investment committees. Whether this momentum continues leading up to the summit in Shenzhen in November will be a turning point.

Scenario 1: Continuity of Leadership

Assumption

Let us assume that the leadership will continue to prioritize personnel appointments above all else, even as it conducts disciplinary investigations. We assume that the investigation will not extend to members of the Political Bureau outside the military or to the core of the State Council. We assume that the economic growth rate will remain within the forecast range and that U.S.-China high-level diplomatic engagement will continue until the summit in November.

Conclusion

If the economy and foreign relations remain stable, there would be little reason to rush a leadership transition. For this reason, it is possible that Xi will be re-elected as General Secretary at the 2027 Party Congress and re-elected as President at the 2028 National People’s Congress. Premier Li Qiang may remain in office, as he is eligible to serve a second term within the limit of two consecutive terms stipulated by the Constitution.

The disciplinary investigation is expected to continue, focusing primarily on military officials and cadres below the level of the Politburo. The vacant position of Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission is likely to be filled, on the Party side, at a plenary session or Party Congress, and on the state side, by the National People’s Congress or its Standing Committee. Externally, the priority is expected to be continuing efforts with the U.S. Trade Commission and expanding the scope of tariff reductions.

If the assumption is proven wrong

If the economic growth rate falls significantly short of forecasts, the situation could shift to Scenario 3. If the leadership prioritizes charting a path for leadership transition to ensure long-term stability, the situation will shift to Scenario 2. The most difficult assumption to fulfill is that the disciplinary investigations will not extend to Politburo members outside the military or to the core of the State Council. In 2025, 65 centrally managed officials were investigated, and in 2026, two vice presidents who had been members of the Politburo were disciplined.

The Outlook Ahead

From 2028 onward, with no successor candidate having been named, the party convention following the 2027 convention is expected to mark a new turning point. The issue of succession is likely to be deferred.

Scenario 2: Moving Toward a Change in Supreme Leadership

Assumption

Let us assume that the leadership prioritizes charting a path for succession in order to ensure long-term stability. Let us also assume that the disciplinary investigation, which resulted in disciplinary action against two military officials who were members of the Politburo, has created vacancies in key positions, and that these vacancies will be used as an opportunity to reshuffle the leadership. As in Scenario 1, we assume that the disciplinary investigation will not extend to Politburo members outside the military or to the core of the State Council. We assume that the economy and U.S.-China relations remain stable, as in Scenario 1.

Whether this assumption holds true will likely become clear based on which new officials are appointed to the Politburo Standing Committee at the plenary session in October and the Party Congress in 2027.

Conclusion

Under this assumption, at the 2027 Party Congress, new leaders may join the Politburo Standing Committee and be considered as potential successors. Since the General Secretary is selected by the Central Committee from among the members of the Standing Committee, the composition of the Standing Committee is likely to provide clues as to who the next leader will be.

At the 2028 National People's Congress, a potential successor may be elected as President. Alternatively, he or she may first be appointed as Vice President. Since the Vice President succeeds the President in the event of a vacancy, the selection of the Vice President is expected to be a point of focus. On the international front, with an eye toward the leadership transition, maintaining stable relations with the United States and neighboring countries is expected to be a priority.

If the assumption is proven wrong

If the disciplinary investigation extends to a senior official considered a potential successor, preparations for the transition could be delayed, and the situation could shift to Scenario 1 or 3. The most difficult assumption to fulfill is that the leadership will publicly outline a path for the transition. The current documents do not indicate such a policy.

The Outlook Ahead

If a successor is nominated, the party congress following the 2027 party congress—and the National People's Congress held the following year—are likely to mark the actual transition.

Scenario 3: Strengthening Fiscal Consolidation

Assumption

Let us assume that economic growth falls short of forecasts and that tensions arise in U.S.-China relations over tariffs and Taiwan. Let us assume that the leadership prioritizes stability and security above all else. Furthermore, let us assume that, in the face of a crisis, the leadership will avoid the uncertainty caused by a change in the supreme leader and instead demonstrate accountability for policy delays through a reshuffle of senior officials.

Conclusion

Given the combination of an economic slowdown and external tensions, if the leadership prioritizes stability above all else, it is likely that tightening Party control will be chosen as a means of maintaining stability. The October plenary session will deliberate on a resolution regarding the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party. Although the details of the resolution have not yet been made public, it is possible that the resolution will be used as a basis for expanding investigations. Consequently, these investigations may extend to Politburo members outside the military and even to the inner circle of the State Council.

Assuming that a change in the supreme leader will be avoided, Xi is likely to remain in office following the 2027 Party Congress and the 2028 National People’s Congress. Assuming that accountability is demonstrated through a reshuffle of senior officials, a major reshuffle of the leadership could take place at the same time. Personnel changes within the State Council, including the Premier, may also occur under the pretext of economic recovery. On the international front, efforts by the U.S.-China Trade Commission are likely to stall, and military pressure around Taiwan may intensify.

If the assumption is proven wrong

If summit diplomacy with the United States continues and the economy returns to the projected range, we will move closer to Scenario 1. The most difficult assumption to fulfill is the tension in U.S.-China relations. Following the summit meetings in May and September, both countries have expressed their intention to attend each other’s summit meetings.

The Outlook Ahead

If this tightening continues, personnel decisions are likely to become even more centralized at the party’s central leadership, and the issue of succession is unlikely to come to the fore until the party convention following the 2027 party convention.

Comparison of Scenarios

Presenting Options

The following is an analysis, not a statement of fact. It outlines the options available to China’s leadership and state institutions as they approach the next critical juncture, as well as the potential consequences of each choice. The facts on which this analysis is based are cited in the main text.

This article does not address other options. For example, imposing a limit of two consecutive terms on the President of the State—the same as that for the Premier—would likely require a constitutional amendment. Increasing the number of candidates in National People’s Congress elections beyond the established quota would likely require revising the election procedures. Under the provisions of the Constitution and the Party Constitution cited in this article, having different individuals serve as General Secretary of the Party and President of the State is considered a matter of Party personnel decisions that does not require a change in regulations. Each of these issues requires separate consideration.

Reference Information

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This article was written by AI from public records and translated automatically.

• Communist Party of China Congress
• National People's Congress
• President
• Xi Jinping