A resolution on the history of the ruling Communist Party elevating President Xi Jinping was approved by China’s leaders on Thursday. The resolution is expected to set the stage for the President to extend his rule next year.

The official Xinhua News Agency said the resolution on the major achievements and historical experience of the party was adopted during a four-day meeting of its Central Committee that ended Thursday.

This move is expected to give Xi status beside the ruling Communist Party’s most important figures. This resolution is only the third statement of its kind in the party’s 100-year history. Before this, one was issued under Mao Zedong, who led the party to power in 1949, and Deng Xiaoping, who launched reforms that turned China into an economic powerhouse.

Issuing a similar statement under Xi would mean that he has gained popularity to ignore two-decade-old party practice that says he should step down next year when his second five-year term as general secretary ends.

The party removed term limits on Xi’s post as president in 2018, indicating his intention to stay in power.

The historic statement is expected to reiterate the ruling party’s successes in overseeing China’s economic rise. At the same time, will likely ignore deadly political violence in its early decades in power and growing complaints about human rights abuses.

In 2018, when term limits on the presidency were scrapped, officials said that Xi might need more time to make sure economic and other reforms were carried out.

With no rivals, Xi’s bid to stay in power has the potential to alienate younger party figures.

Also, political scientists say that one-person rule often leads to worse official decisions and economic performance. They cited experience from countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Xi has used his control of the party’s vast propaganda apparatus to promote his image.

(with inputs from Associated Press)