History of Xi Jinping

Xi Jinping, born on June 15, 1953, in Beijing, China, has established himself as one of the most influential leaders in the modern era of Chinese politics. His rise to power, rooted in a combination of familial legacy, political acumen, and strategic positioning, reflects a transformative period in China’s governance and global stance.

Xi Jinping is often described as a "princeling," a term used for the children of prominent revolutionaries. His father, Xi Zhongxun, was a famed revolutionary hero and a close ally of Mao Zedong, holding several important political roles, including Vice Premier. However, in Mao’s later purges during the Cultural Revolution, the senior Xi was purged, which significantly impacted Xi Jinping’s early years. During this tumultuous time, Xi experienced “re-education” through forced labor in a rural village in Shaanxi province. This arduous experience is often seen as a defining moment in Xi’s life, fostering resilience and a strong connection to the rural populace of China.

Xi Jinping’s political career began in earnest in 1974 when he joined the Communist Party of China (CPC) as a party secretary in a rural village of Yanchuan County, Shaanxi. After this initial appointment, he pursued a degree in chemical engineering at Tsinghua University in Beijing, one of China’s premier institutions. Post-graduation, Xi steadily rose through the party ranks. His early political roles were concentrated in industrial regions, like Hebei, Fujian, and Zhejiang, where he earned a reputation for pragmatism and low-profile diligence. A significant moment in his career was during his tenure as Party Secretary of Zhejiang Province, where his successful handling of economic growth and anti-corruption efforts increased his visibility within the party.

In 2007, Xi was appointed to the Standing Committee of the Politburo, the top decision-making body of the Communist Party. His rapid ascension to this role was unexpected, and he was considered a compromise candidate during a period when the party was divided into factions. His formidable networking skills and the ability to navigate complex political terrains played a crucial role in his selection.

Xi Jinping's ascent continued, and in 2012, he was designated General Secretary of the Communist Party and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, effectively making him the paramount leader of China. This transition marked the beginning of a new era of leadership, diverging from his predecessors, Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin, by consolidating a personalist style of governance and centralizing power.

One of Xi’s early and significant campaigns was an extensive anti-corruption drive, which targeted both high-ranking officials, dubbed “tigers,” and lower-level bureaucrats, or “flies.” This initiative was applauded for addressing endemic corruption in government but also critiqued as a strategy to eliminate political opponents and centralize control. His tenure has seen a tightening grip on civil society, an increase in censorship, and a significant emphasis on ideological control within the CPC.

Xi Jinping further underscored his power through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), an ambitious global infrastructure project that seeks to enhance global trade routes and assert China’s strategic influence worldwide. This strategy not only reflects China’s shifting posture on regional and global scales but also parallels Xi's broader vision of the "Chinese Dream," aimed at achieving national rejuvenation.

In 2018, the National People’s Congress passed a controversial constitutional amendment removal of the two-term limit for the presidency, enabling Xi to potentially remain in office indefinitely. This move reinforced Xi’s overarching authority and marked a departure from the collective leadership model that had characterized Chinese politics post-Mao Zedong.

Xi's tenure has also been marked by assertive foreign policy stances, notably with regards to Taiwan, the South China Sea, and Sino-U.S. relations. Under Xi's leadership, China has maintained robust economic growth, although it faces increasing scrutiny from Western nations over trade practices, human rights issues, particularly in Xinjiang with the Uyghur minority, and tight controls in Hong Kong.

Internally, Xi’s policies have emphasized "common prosperity," reflecting efforts to reduce economic inequality. However, these moves also align with attempts to reassert state control over private enterprise and curb the influence of powerful tech giants and entrepreneurs like Alibaba’s Jack Ma.

Xi Jinping's legacy is a complex intertwining of domestic consolidation and global projection. His governance is often characterized by a blend of authoritarian control and pragmatic policies aimed at reinforcing China’s position as a major global leader. Looking towards the future, Xi's philosophy of governance and his associated policies will likely continue to shape not only China's political landscape but also its role on the world stage as it navigates numerous ongoing internal and external challenges.