Students from 14 Chinese universities issue joint letter calling for end to term limits

Students and graduate students from 14 Chinese universities, including Peking University, Renmin University of China, and Xiamen University, have released a joint open letter titled “A Call from a Group of Republican College Students.” The signatories are calling for the abolition of the indefinite presidential term limit system to ensure an orderly transition of power, as established by the constitution prior to the 2018 amendments.

The letter outlines three primary demands: first, restoring constitutional term limits for the presidency and top Party leadership; second, initiating democratic constitutional amendments to expand public participation in governance through elections and oversight; and third, protecting the space for citizens to discuss national affairs and offer criticism without fear.

The document emphasizes that national stability should rely on predictable institutions rather than individuals. While the letter was reportedly deleted from university forums shortly after being posted, copies and screenshots have circulated online.