Xi has already emerged as the most powerful leader in the mainland in the last three decades. With his power rising, he has placed himself in the echelon that was once reserved only for Mao Zedong.

Reacting to Chinese decision, US President Donald Trump has said that it is 'up to Beijing'.

Conveying the US President's stance, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters, "The president has talked about term limits in a number of capacities during the campaign and something that he supports here in the United States, but that's a decision that's up to China."

Trump's lack of criticism for such an authoritarian step can be attributed to his bonhomie with Jingping, but it has more to it.

Recently, China maintained a rare neutral stance in Paris at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting, where Beijing's ally Pakistan was admonished.

With China fence-sitting, Turkey and Saudi Arabia's support weren't enough for Islamabad to avoid its name from featuring on the FATF's list of countries indulging in terror funding.

According to a report by the Times of India, China decided to remain neutral as it is gearing up for a top position in the FATF and will need support from both the USA and India, who have openly condemned Pakistan for failing to stop terror.

Image: Donald Trump Twitter