Both leaders are enjoying large mandate and immense popularity at home. The two are likely to lead their nations for much longer and will only continue to consolidating their power further, setting them on a collision course.
ByMoneycontrol News
Chinese President Xi Jinping was formally handed a second term as the leader of the world's most populous country in late October. While Xi's elevation was expected, the Communist Party of China surprised many when Xi's doctrine was written into the party constitution. The move put him on par with modern China's founding Chairman Mao Zedong and his successor Deng Xiaoping. The party unanimously amended its constitution to include "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" as another guiding principle during the week-long congress session.
Meanwhile, Xi's northern neighbour and the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, is winning in his own game.The former secret service agent enjoys immense popularity at home and is expected to be re-elected in the 2018 presidential election.
The 65-year-old has been playing a leading role in conflicts such as the Syrian Civil War and of late has had tense relations with eastern European countries.Both, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin hold unmatched power in their own countries. However, they could be on a collision course as they eye the same position - of world dominance.
Xi Jinping - Alongside Chairman Mao
The 64-year-old became the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China in 2012 and took over as the President, a year later.
Xi has systematically tightened his grip over the country's Politburo Standing Committee and cracked down on corruption. Thus, Xi has successfully sidelined rivals within the party and given himself an unprecedented hold over the internal dynamics of the booming economy.In what can be called a fresh and larger mandate, Xi was unanimously re-elected as the President in October. This has given him more control.While China's human rights record has been questioned and criticised ever since the one-party system was established by Mao Zedong, what works against Xi is that the criticism has grown louder under his regime. If Xi does not curb the problem, it could potentially weaken his image.
China has been criticised by the international community for not doing enough to tackle climate change.However, Xi has shown signs of changing China's stance. In a marathon speech delivered at the opening ceremony of the Communist Party Congress in Beijing last month, Xi said that "Any harm we inflict on nature will eventually return to haunt us". His speech outlining the plan to tackle climate change was also applauded.China has been ambitiously marching to become a 'super power'. China's most powerful person could be examining China's opportunity to fill the vacuum left by the receding US foreign policy under president Trump.
Vladimir Putin - The new Czar of Russia
The 65-year-old leader of Russia has either served as the Prime Minister or the President of the country since 1999. He has shuffled between being the prime minister and the president along with the current prime minister Dmitry Medvedev.
The Forbes Magazine in 2016 called Putin the 'World's Most Powerful Person'. In fact, he has been ranked number one for four years in a row now.
Putin remains incredibly popular in Russia. According to a 2016 Gallop report, the 65-year-old enjoys 81 percent approval rating. The high approval rating also signals the a weak Opposition in the country.Putin has been intervening in conflicts in west Asia. He has taken a tough stance against European countries and has supported separatist rebel groups in former Soviet nations. These factors have added to Putin's strength.Human Right Watch (HRW) and other human rights groups have, however, consistently criticised Putin and his government for Russia's human rights record. In some instances, protestors have been jailed for up to 15 years in jail for mass rioting. The HRW report has also said that the LGBT community in Russia faces widespread abuse.
Similar to Xi's ambitions, the former KGB agent has been positioning Russia as the world leader amidst a dwindling American foreign policy. He too would be hoping to occupy the void left by the United States in the international relations space.While Russia has improved on certain indicators such as the Ease of Doing Business, the economy has certainly been hit by the United States-led sanctions. Russia's economy has also been suffering from the drop in oil prices and high inflation.
Both leaders are enjoying a large mandate and high popularity at home. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin are likely to lead their nations for much longer and will only continue to consolidate their power further.The ambitions of these powerful men are likely to set them on a future collision course.
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