Xi Jinping Consolidates Power Absolutely; Can He Push Through Complete Reform?

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Zhang Baohui, professor of political science at Hong Kong's Lingnan University, says the message is clear. "Hu Jintao was the first among equals and it was clear collective decision making. Xi Jinping is no longer the first among equals. He is clearly the leader," he told CNN.

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When you are "the core" of the Communist Party, you aren't just another leader -- your will is now law.

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"Entrenched resistance was strong but if you really want to see China reform, you want to take some power away (from those) who protect their vested interests, like the state enterprises."

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Xi supporters justify the move saying the party would collapse unless corruption can be cleared up. They also believe strong leadership is needed to push through market reforms, resisted by special interest groups in the state-enterprise dominated economy.

Others are more cynical, claiming Xi is merely trying to strengthen the party's grip on power, while adding that it is this one party rule that is the root of corruption and other social issues in China.