Prof Yang Zhang at the School of International Studies, Australian University, sought to
explain the age limits of the CCP and how "age limit" matters in the upcoming the CCP's 20th
Party Congress. Referring to the “Seven up Eight down” rule (you stay in Politburo at 67 and
you are out at 68), he said this rule was violated in 2017. In effect, “age limit” has never been
institutionalized. In 1987, elders left the PBSC, but some of them—not the younger ones—
kept key positions. Deng Xiaoping (83) remained CMC chairman and Chen Yun (82) took over
CAC chairman. Later, Li Xiannian (80) and Yang Shangkun (81) became CPPCC chairman
and state president. 1992, Liu Huaqing became PBSC member and CMC executive chairman
at 76, and the even older Zhang Zhen (78) was promoted to CMC vice chairman. In Politburo,
Zhang replaced Yang Baibin (72), who was six years younger. Power balance, not age, was the
primary consideration. 1997, this was the first time that the rule of age limit was weaponized
in power struggle. Jiang Zemin (71) used the age of 72 as a criterion to demand then numberthree PBSC member, NPC chairman Qiao Shi (73) to retire. Jiang succeeded; “age limit” was
useful. 2002, Jiang weaponized “age limit. 2007, “Seven up Eight down” continued under Hu
Jintao’s reign, yet also for a political reason. Ironically, the sacrifice was Zeng Qinghong,
Jiang's long-term aide. Zeng (68) was out while Jia Qinglin (67) remained in PBSC. It was then
people thought the age limit became a rule.” again and this time the target was CPPCC
chairman Li Ruihuan (68). All Politburo members at 68+ were asked to fully retire, except for
Jiang (77) who remained CMC chairman. Power consideration was the origin of the “Seven up
Eight down.” 2012, after a few scandals before the Party Congress, power transition occurred
"institutionally." Hu Jintao and other veterans retired. Xi (59) and Li (57) became General
Secretary and Premier. The oldest PBSC member was Yu Zhengsheng (67). Everything seemed
perfect until 2017. Xi highlighted his unlimited power by breaking the rule of age limit. Li
Yuanchao (67), Zhang Chunxian (64), and Liu Qibao (64) were asked to leave Politburo to
offer vacancies for Xi’s men. Later, Wang Qishan (70) replaced Li as Vice President even
though he was older. Age limit has often been weaponized: paramount leaders disregarded the
rule; they used the rule for elite replacement; the age criterion varied for political needs. Even
when the rule mattered (2007 & 2012), it was more because of Hu’s limited power. What will
happen in 2022?
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