• In recent days, many of the bridges that cross high above Beijing’s ring roads have been decked in long, red banners hailing a “new era” in China’s development.
  • Key to Mr. Xi’s rapid accumulation of power was an anti-corruption campaign that was launched immediately after he took over. It laid down strict rules for Party members, which was welcomed by a weary public that had seen CPC officials amass fortunes.
  • Along with the overhaul of the political system was the reform of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) — the biggest of all fiefdoms — which all of Mr. Xi’s predecessors, going back to Deng, had failed to do.