President of the People's Republic of China

The President of the People's Republic of China (Chinese: 中华人民共和国主席 pinyin: Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó Zhǔxí, or abbreviated Guojia-Zhuxi ????) is the head of state of the People's Republic of China. The office was created by the 1982 Constitution. Formally, the President is elected by the National People's Congress in accordance with Article 62 of the Constitution. In practice, this election falls into the category of 'single-candidate' elections. The candidate is recommended by the Presidium of the National People's Congress.

Selection, succession and requirements

According to the Constitution of the People's Republic of China, the National People's Congress (NPC), in theory China's top law-making legislature, has the power to elect and force the resignation of the President. By law, the President must be a Chinese citizen of 45 years of age or older. The President cannot serve for over two terms, a term being the equivalent of one session of the NPC, which is usually five years.

Related Topics:
Constitution of the People's Republic of China - National People's Congress

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In theory, the President, in accordance with decisions made by the NPC, has the power to put legislation into effect. The President also has the power to appoint the Premier, Vice-Premiers, State Council members, all ambassadors to foreign countries, Ministers of all departments, and all legislative committee chairs, treasurers and secretaries. The President has the power to give Special Presidential Decrees, and can declare State of Emergency, and declare War. The President is assisted by the Vice-President.

Related Topics:
State of Emergency - Vice-President

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In the event that the President dies or leaves office, the Vice-President automatically assumes presidential powers. In the event that they both are unable to perform normal duties, the Chairman of the National People's Congress will perform the duties of the President as Acting President until the NPC can elect a new President.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~