Deng Xiaoping, 鄧小平

The term being used to describe Mr. Xi is resonant with the formidable stature once held by Deng Xiaoping, shown at center in 1992. Credit Associated Press

Visitors posing in front of an image of Mr. Deng in Shenzhen, China. Officials have suggested that hailing Mr. Xi as a leader of similar stature carries a warning not to question his authority. Credit Tyrone Siu/Reuters
Xi Jinping Assuming New Status as China’s ‘Core’ Leader - The New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/05/world/asia/china-president-xi-jinping-core.html?_r=0