Xi urges China not to be complacent, warns against separatist attempts

Addressing the members at the closing session of the annual parliament, the Chinese President reiterated the value of socialism and said that it was the only thing that could save the nation.

"History has already proven and will continue to prove that only socialism can save China," he said.

Xi also warned about separatist attempts by the self ruling Taiwan and said that any such act would be thwarted by Beijing.

"The Chinese people share a common belief that it is never allowed and it is absolutely impossible to separate any inch of our great country's territory from China," Xi told the members.

The Chinese President said that while it's important for his country to be strong, it would not be aggressive and would not develop itself at the expense of the rest of the world, a BBC report said.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said that China will play by the rules and is willing to cooperate with other countries.

In a rubber-stamping exercise on Mar 11, Beijing formally removed term limits to allow Xi Jingping to remain President for life.

According to reports, the changes were passed during the annual sitting of the National People's Congress.

Xi, widely regarded as the most powerful politician since the legendary Mao Zedong, defied tradition when he didn't appoint a successor during October's Communist Party Congress. 

Had he maintained the two-term norm introduced by Beijing since the 1990's, the current Chinese President would have stepped down by 2023.

Meanwhile, in a rare show of dissent, Xi's facilitation of a lifetime presidency has been called a farce by a former state newspaper editor, Li Datong.

Sending an open letter, Li has heavily criticised Beijing's decision.

"As a Chinese citizen, I have to fulfil my responsibility and tell the delegates my opinion. I don't care what these delegates will do. It's not like the whole country agrees with the amendment, but everyone has been silenced," he told BBC China.

The former editor said that he and his friend were enraged and had to voice their opposition.

"In theory, NPC delegates from Beijing have to represent the several million voters in the capital. I am a voter and I write a letter to the delegates representing me. I express my opinion on the amendments. It is very safe legally," he said.

"Even if the amendment is passed, it doesn't matter. History is often like this - we make two steps forward and one step back. But this is against the tide of civilisation and won't stand the test of time. It will be considered a farce in Chinese history in the future," the critic added.