Chinese leader Xi Jinping has emerged from a twice-a-decade Communist Party congress stronger than ever after securing a third term as party boss and pushing all but his most loyal of allies out of the picture. On Sunday, Xi smiled as he led the newly selected group of men at the pinnacle of power in China – the Politburo Standing Committee – onto a stage before the media. Xi has long been expected to cling to power, but the congress cemented his dominance with breathtaking clarity. Xi Jinping is surrounded by allies, a mark of his power

NPR has a crush

They might be gargling Xi's balls now but when the time comes they'll fully support the regime's war with China over Taiwan.