China has proposed dismissing term limits for the presidency on Sunday, paving the way for Xi Jinping, China’s current president, to become a lifelong ruler. This controversial suggestion caused many on Chinese social media to criticize, though these complaints were quickly censored.

Other censored terms include “Yuan Shikai”, “term limits”, and “ascension to the throne.” Yuan Shikai was the president in 1913 who dissolved the parliament and became a self-appointed emperor.

A statement signed by leading Chinese dissidents states that “supreme rule and tyranny are inseparable and will surely bring great disasters to the country and its people.”

With few obstacles in Xi’s way, the likelihood of the term limit being erased is just shy of certain.

Experts share that this change may cause more harm than good for Xi. Analysts explain that this could be a sign of weakening political prowess for Xi, and the end of term limits is a way to reduce his political opponents. His absolute rule also leaves him vulnerable for blame on any economic downturn or political emergency. The former being feasible as Washington continues to distance from Asia, leaving a large power vacuum.

Mr. Jennings, an executive director of the Australian Strategic policy institute to the New York Times, says “Xi’s situation means he may take more risks in the South China Sea or over Taiwan.”  He continued saying, “Where does one ever see the ‘president for life’ model end well?”