Chinese emperors were called Sons of Heaven. The last one lost power in 1912. Today, China is ruled by the Communist Party and its leader: President Xi Jinping.

The latest decision means he may now be in control for life.

President Xi is in charge of the world's most populous country. State media create an image of a wise man with superhuman powers.¹

Xi has a fascinating origin story. Aged 15, he lived in a cave and worked as a farmer during the Cultural Revolution.²

But this is only part of the story. Xi was a "princeling", a child of a party leader. He was educated at one of the country's best schools.

Experts say he is like a traditional emperor and his ambition is limitless. "Five thousand years of the Chinese nation," says Xi, gives China the right to rule the world.

Imperial China used trade to control other states. It sold luxuries like tea and porcelainShiny ceramic pottery. along the Silk RoadA network of Eurasian trade routes linking China to the West, running from the second century BC to the 15th Century AD. . Other nations were "barbariansAn uncultured or uncivilised group. " that had to show respect to the "Celestial Empire".

Experts say this is the idea behind the Belt and Road Initiative, a project to build roads and railways in some of the world's poorest countries.

Xi talks about a "Chinese Dream", but many say he has created a nightmare. "The future is bright for Xi Jinping," says expert Steve Tsang, "and dark for everybody else." Political freedom is limited.

China is not as powerful as it looks. Economic growth has slowed. Opposition is growing. Last week, banners dropped from a bridge called for Xi's removal: "We want to be citizens, not slaves".

Police quickly removed the protest. But on Friday, people shared a message on social media: "I saw it, we all saw it".

What happens next will affect everyone. "The world's future," says writer Charlie Campbell, "is in the hands of President Xi."

Yes: China is unstoppable. Xi has no opposition at home. His new "Silk RoadA network of Eurasian trade routes linking China to the West, running from the second century BC to the 15th Century AD. " reaches 68 countries and affects over half the world's population.

No: China is a Communist dictatorshipA form of government in which one person possesses all the power without any limits. , not a monarchy. Emperors had divine authority and limitless power. President Xi is chosen by the party and must obey the rules.

Or... Leadership and empire are not the same. China may be able to control its own citizens and influence other governments. But leadership involves shared values, cooperation and a common purpose.

Porcelain - Shiny ceramic pottery.

Silk Road - A network of Eurasian trade routes linking China to the West, running from the second century BC to the 15th Century AD.

Barbarians - An uncultured or uncivilised group.

Dictatorship - A form of government in which one person possesses all the power without any limits.