Xi Jinping becomes most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong

In a three-hour address during the inaugural day of the Congress, Xi first introduced his philosophy.

Senior officials and state media subsequently started calling this the "Xi Jinping Thought."

Over 2,000 delegates convened today at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to unanimously vote to enshrine "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era" in the constitution.

In the past, ideologies of party leaders were incorporated in the constitution.

However, besides founder Mao Zedong, none of the other leaders have had their philosophy termed as "thought," which represents the height of the ideological hierarchy.

Only Mao and Deng Xiaoping have had their names linked to their ideologies.

Now, any challenge to Xi will be considered a challenge to the Communist Party.

The "Xi Jinping Thought" comprises of 14 main principles. Of these, the important points include:

A plan for "complete and deep reform" and "new developing ideas"

A vow of "harmonious living between man and nature"

The "absolute authority of the party over the people's army"

Importance of "one country two systems" and China's reunification (a reference to Hong Kong and Taiwan).

The "Xi Jinping Thought" will be studied by students, workers at state-owned factories and 90 million Communist Party members.

The "new era" phrase marks the third chapter of modern China.

The first chapter comprised of Mao's unification of the country. The second was the Deng-driven national development. The third is about more unity, wealth and China's emergence as a global power.