Xi Jinping chooses ‘yes men’ over economic growth in politburo purge

China's president doubles down on ruling for life, excluding potential future leaders or factional rivals

Xi Jinping has stacked the senior Chinese Communist party ranks with loyalists, showing China's ever more powerful leader favours loyalty over merit - and wants rule insulated from criticism or questioning.

The appointments, which were revealed on Sunday, have raised concerns that Xi has surrounded himself with yes men" as he leads China through what he called the choppy waters" of the future, some of which are of his own making. The country is facing domestic economic troubles and worsening global tensions as Xi doubles down on threats to annex Taiwan.