Xi Jinping: A Detailed Examination of His Life and Leadership

Early Life and Education

Xi Jinping was born on June 15, 1953, in Beijing, China. He is the third child of Xi Zhongxun, a prominent Chinese politician, and his second wife, Qi Xin. Xi's early life was marked by both privilege and hardship. His father was purged during the Cultural Revolution, forcing Xi to live and work in the countryside for six years. This experience fostered a strong bond with the local peasantry, which would later aid his credibility in his political career.

Xi Jinping attended the Beijing Bayi School and then the Beijing No. 25 School in the 1960s. He became friends with Liu He, who later became China's vice premier and a close advisor to Xi Jinping. In 1963, Xi Jinping's father was purged from the CCP and sent to work in a factory in Luoyang, Henan. The Cultural Revolution cut short Xi Jinping's secondary education when all secondary classes were halted for students to criticize and fight their teachers. Student militants ransacked the Xi family home, and one of Xi Jinping's sisters, Xi Heping, was persecuted to death.

#### Early Political Career

Xi Jinping joined the CCP in 1974 and began attending Beijing's Tsinghua University, where he studied chemical engineering. After graduating in 1979, he worked as a secretary to China's vice premier and minister of national defense. In 1982, he left this post to work as a deputy secretary for the CCP in Hebei province. He was promoted to secretary in 1983 and became the top official of the county.

Xi Jinping subsequently served in four provinces during his regional political career: Hebei (1982–1985), Fujian (1985–2002), Zhejiang (2002–2007), and Shanghai (2007). He held posts in the Fuzhou Municipal Party Committee and became the president of the Party School in Fuzhou in 1990. In 1997, he was named an alternate member of the 15th Central Committee of the CCP. However, of the 151 alternate members of the Central Committee elected at the 15th Party Congress, Xi Jinping received the lowest number of votes in favor, placing him last in the rankings of members, ostensibly due to his status as a princeling.

#### Rise to Power

Xi Jinping's political career continued to progress, with him being elevated to higher positions within the party and government. By 1995, he had become the deputy provincial party secretary. He later became governor of Fujian province, focusing on environmental conservation and cooperation with nearby Taiwan. As acting governor and party secretary in Zhejiang province, he focused on restructuring the province's industrial infrastructure to promote sustainable development.

In early 2007, Xi Jinping was promoted to party secretary of Shanghai following a financial scandal among the city's upper leadership. Xi Jinping's political star continued to rise, and in October 2007, he was selected as one of the nine members of the Standing Committee of the CCP's Political Bureau (Politburo), the highest ruling body in the party. With this promotion, Xi Jinping was put on a shortlist of likely successors to Hu Jintao, the general secretary of the CCP and president of China.

#### Presidency and Initiatives

Xi Jinping became president of China in March 2013. One of his first initiatives as president was a nationwide campaign against corruption, which resulted in the removal of thousands of officials at all levels of government. Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of the "rule of law," calling for adherence to the Chinese constitution and greater transparency in government.

Under Xi Jinping's leadership, China became increasingly assertive in international affairs. The country continued to claim nearly all of the South China Sea as Chinese territory, despite disputes from other countries. Xi Jinping also promoted China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative, involving joint trade, infrastructure, and development projects with East Asian, Central Asian, and European countries.

#### Strengthening His Grip on Power

During his first term as president, Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign continued to be successful, with over one million corrupt officials being punished by late 2017. The campaign also removed many of Xi Jinping's political rivals, further aiding his efforts to eliminate dissent. In October 2016, the CCP granted Xi Jinping the title of "core leader," previously given only to influential party figures Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, and Jiang Zemin.

In 2017, the CCP voted to enshrine Xi Jinping's name and ideology, described as "thought," in the party's constitution. This honor was previously awarded only to Mao. Xi Jinping's ideology was later enshrined in the country's constitution by an amendment passed by the National People's Congress (NPC) in March 2018. One of these amendments eliminated term limits for the country's president and vice president, allowing Xi Jinping to remain in office beyond 2023.

#### Current Status

Xi Jinping is currently the paramount leader of China, holding the offices of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission. He has been in power since 2012 and has been re-elected twice, in 2017 and 2018. Xi Jinping's leadership has been marked by a strong emphasis on the "Chinese Dream," a vision for China's future as a global power. He has also been known for his efforts to strengthen China's military and promote its international influence.

#### Key Policies and Impact

Xi Jinping's presidency has been characterized by several key policies and initiatives that have had a significant impact both domestically and internationally.

1. **Anti-Corruption Campaign:** Xi's relentless campaign against corruption has been a defining feature of his leadership. Targeting officials at all levels, this campaign has aimed to restore public trust in the CCP and eliminate corruption within the party. While it has been successful in removing many corrupt officials, critics argue that it has also been used to consolidate Xi's power by eliminating political rivals.

2. **Economic Reforms:** Xi has focused on transforming China's economy from a high-speed growth model to one that prioritizes high-quality growth. This includes efforts to reduce debt, control financial risks, and shift towards a more sustainable and consumption-driven economy. However, challenges such as trade tensions with the United States and slowing economic growth have posed significant obstacles.

3. **Environmental Policies:** Xi has placed a strong emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development. His administration has implemented stricter environmental regulations, promoted renewable energy, and taken measures to combat pollution. These efforts are part of a broader goal to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.

4. **International Relations:** Under Xi's leadership, China has adopted a more assertive stance in international affairs. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a cornerstone of this approach, seeking to enhance global trade and infrastructure connectivity. However, the BRI has also faced criticism and concerns over debt sustainability and geopolitical influence.

5. **Military Modernization:** Xi has prioritized the modernization of China's military, aiming to transform the People's Liberation Army (PLA) into a world-class force. This includes advancements in technology, training, and overall military capabilities. Xi's focus on military strength aligns with his broader vision of China as a leading global power.

6. **Social and Cultural Policies:** Xi has promoted the concept of the "Chinese Dream," which emphasizes national rejuvenation and the achievement of a prosperous and powerful China. This vision is closely tied to his efforts to strengthen CCP control over society, including increased censorship, surveillance, and regulation of cultural and religious practices.

#### Challenges and Controversies

Xi Jinping's leadership has not been without controversy and challenges. His centralization of power and removal of term limits have raised concerns about the potential for authoritarianism. Additionally, China's human rights record, particularly regarding the treatment of ethnic minorities in regions such as Xinjiang, has drawn international criticism. The handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, trade tensions with the United States, and China's assertive actions in the South China Sea have further complicated Xi's tenure.

#### Legacy

As Xi Jinping continues to lead China, his legacy remains a topic of significant debate. Supporters view him as a strong and decisive leader who has restored China's global standing and addressed critical issues such as corruption and environmental degradation. Critics, however, express concerns about the erosion of political freedoms and the potential risks of concentrating too much power in the hands of one leader.

Xi Jinping's impact on China and the world will continue to be felt for years to come, shaping the future of the nation and its role on the global stage.