UAE leaders congratulate China's Xi for securing historic third term

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent his congratulations to China's Xi Jinping on Sunday after he was appointed as leader of the country for a third term.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also sent a similar message to the Chinese leader.

Jinping secured a precedent-breaking third leadership term and introduced a new top governing body stacked with loyalists, cementing his place as the country's most powerful ruler since Mao Zedong.

Li Qiang, who oversaw Shanghai's grinding COVID-lockdown this year, followed Xi onto the stage at the Great Hall of the People as the new Politburo Standing Committee was introduced, putting him in line to succeed Li Keqiang as premier when he retires in March.