Last week, China’s Communist Party announced its plans to get rid of presidential term limits, effectively opening up the possibility for China President Xi Jinping to be in power indefinitely.
Currently, term limits restrict a Chinese president to hold their position for 10 years. This announcement had stirred up negative social media reactions in China. In Richmond, however, responses appear to be quieter, in spite of the large community of Chinese immigrants.
A local Richmond businessman, who asked to remain anonymous, told the News that he did not get too much information about this event.
“I didn’t hear about this news before and neither did my friends and family,” he said. “We are living in Canada now, so we care more about Canadian news instead of things happening in China.”
He also mentioned that he is not very concerned about the proposal.
“I believe people in China will have their way to deal with this change positively, and I don’t think there is not too much influence on us here.”
On the other hand, China Xinhua News’ Twitter account is flooded with upset comments.
That's exactly what Putin did to Russian constitution. Now he is 18 years in power, and will be "re-elected" soon to rule for another 6 years. That's your fate, China. Be prepared
— NothingToSeeHere (@rnenrdsmnt) February 25, 2018
Dictatorship equals power plus raw, unchecked human nature. Democracy is not the natural inclination of men’s minds, tyranny is. Checks and balances, separation of powers, inalienable rights, government of the people — these are all learned behaviors that do not come naturally.
— Jennifer Jean (@BoycottHegemony) February 25, 2018
Well wouldn't you be surprised that people in China don't actually know about this?
— I O U = I Love U (@Love_Sherlocked) February 25, 2018
宪法是法律中的法律。今天我的法律信仰坍塌了
— singsing (@singsin45836528) February 25, 2018
Translation: The Constitution is the law of the law. My faith in law collapsed today.
现在无限期连任，已经不是习一个人的事了，一个习倒下来还有另一个习上来连任的
— 尘埃 (@Mr_Lanwei) February 25, 2018
Translation: Indefinite tenure is not only related to Xi. If Xi went down, there will be another Xi to replace.
我们还有什么资格嘲笑朝鲜
— 奥莉妹妹.avi (@yin_wa_) February 25, 2018
五十步笑百步吧
Translation: What else do we have to laugh at North Korean? The pot calling the kettle black.
有生之年能见证这么历史性的一幕也不容易
— bia ji (@bUNE2utdU3GcUW8) February 25, 2018
Translation: It's not common to witness such a historic event in your lifetime.
有没有人做个移民教程，哪里都行，便宜点的，没有墙和枪的国家就行
— 补水鸟www (@kayopekawai) February 25, 2018
Translation: Can anyone post some immigration information? Any country is fine, as long as no guns and the fire wall.
中文版本没有相关新闻
— lianna2333 (@lianna23333) February 25, 2018
Translation: No news about this in China
中国宪法不过一个笑话。
— 自在如风。 (@HsiungHo) February 25, 2018
Translation: The Chinese constitution is a joke.
