President Xi Jinping declared China’s global power had increased while warning of “dangerous storms” ahead, striking a defiant tone to kick off a twice-a-decade Communist Party meeting at which he’s expected to clinch a precedent-busting third term in office. “China’s international influence, appeal and power to shape the world has significantly increased,” Xi said in Beijing on Sunday in a wide-ranging speech to kick off the weeklong party congress. Still, he warned of a more unstable international environment, saying China must be prepared for “strong winds and high waves and even dangerous storms.” “Confronted ... (full story)