News Analysis An important philosophical article by Chinese leader Xi Jinping was published on Feb. 16 in the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) official ideological journal, Quishi. The timing of the piece’s appearance is not random, but rather comes at a critical time for Xi. It will expand upon the development of “Xi Jinping Thought” on the advancement of socialism in Chinese society. This occurs in the lead-up to a key Party congress in which Xi may seize an unprecedented third presidential term, subsequently laying the groundwork for his potential indefinite hold on power in China. Xi’s governance concept was first articulated at the 19th National Congress of the CCP in 2017 under its full name, “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.” Building on his predecessor Deng Xiaoping and the incorporation of free market principles to build the Chinese economy, Xi announced the country’s return …