2. Xi Jinping
Since 2013, he has served as President of the People’s Republic of China. He abolished presidential term limits in China in 2018 by adopting a package of constitutional modifications to ensure a solid hold on the ruling party. In the eyes of the Western world, he is a dictator.
Xi has strengthened state control over China’s economy while also bolstering the private sector. He is a hardliner when it comes to Chinese security matters, as well as in international affairs, where he is growing his influence in South Africa and Europe.
On the international stage, he portrays China as more assertive and patriotic.