In 1969, a young Xi Jinping was sent to Liangjiahe, a small village located in Shaanxi province, as part of the “down to the countryside movement”. He was 15.
This initiative relocated urban youths to rural areas to learn from the rural folk. Xi lived in a cave shelter and joined villagers to do tough farming work, experiencing firsthand the hardships of rural life. He witnessed severe poverty and hunger, which left a lasting impression on him.
Xi became the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the ruling political party in 2012. He was elected the President of the People’s Republic of China in 2013.
Since assuming office, Xi spearheaded transformative changes across China. His leadership focused on tackling systemic challenges, fostering national unity and positioning China as a global leader. From eradicating poverty to combating corruption and driving economic innovation, Xi’s policies have left an indelible mark on the nation’s development.
Tough fight against graft
One of Xi’s most defining initiatives is his aggressive anti-corruption drive. Upon taking office, he declared that “corruption could kill the party and the country.” He launched a sweeping campaign under the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI). Unlike previous efforts, this campaign targeted both “tigers” (high-ranking officials) and “flies” (local bureaucrats), dismantling entrenched networks of power and corruption.
High-profile cases, such as the conviction of former Politburo member Zhou Yongkang and the purge of military officials like Xu Caihou, sent out a strong message about Xi’s commitment to rooting out corruption at all levels.
By 2023, over four million officials had been disciplined, restoring public trust in the CCP and reinforcing party discipline.
Moderately prosperous society
Xi had a vision of building a “moderately prosperous society” (Xiaokang ). Realising that rural poverty could threaten national stability, he targeted poverty alleviation. The effort lifted nearly 99 million rural residents out of poverty, with 832 impoverished counties and 128,000 poor villages removed from the poverty list. China achieved the poverty reduction target of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule.
This achievement, celebrated as a “miracle” by the World Bank, involved tailored strategies such as infrastructure development, education subsidies and e-commerce initiatives to connect farmers to markets.
Balancing growth
Xi inherited an economy struggling with slowing growth, industrial overcapacity, and environmental degradation. He rolled out policies such as “Made in China 2025” to transform China into a global leader in high-tech sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence and renewable energy.
To stabilise the economy, Xi’s government cracked down on risky financial practices, curbing shadow banking and deleveraging corporate debt.
Meanwhile, the Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013, expanded China’s economic influence by connecting Asia, Africa and Europe through infrastructure projects.
Despite pandemic disruptions, China’s GDP grew by 8.1% in 2021, a testament to Xi’s emphasis on resilience and self-reliance.
The Chinese dream
Xi’s concept of the “Chinese dream” sought to unify the nation under a shared vision of rejuvenation. This ideology blends nationalism, cultural pride, and socialist values, emphasising China’s return to global prominence.
The Chinese dream is deeply tied to Xi’s broader policies, such as poverty alleviation, economic reform, and environmental sustainability. It reflects his vision of a modern, powerful, and harmonious China.
A beautiful China
Addressing China’s environmental crisis, Xi pledged to build an “ecological civilisation”. His government committed to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, investing heavily in solar, wind and electric vehicle technologies. The “Blue Sky Protection Campaign” reduced air pollution in major cities.
Xi believes that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets,” and wants to align environmental protection with economic and social goals. It’s a cornerstone of his broader vision for a modern, prosperous China.
Real estate regulation
To address housing affordability and financial risks, Xi’s administration introduced measures to curb speculation in the real estate market, including limits on borrowing for property developers.
Cashless society
China has revolutionised its e-payment system, becoming a global leader in digital payments. Over 80% of daily transactions are now conducted via mobile platforms, making cash and even traditional credit cards almost obsolete. Digital payments are not used just for shopping but for many other aspects of life such as paying for utilities, transportation, healthcare, and even charitable donations.
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