Xi Jinping, the president of the People’s Republic of China, is a highly influential figure in Chinese politics. As the general secretary of the Communist Party of China and chairman of the Central Military Commission, he holds significant power and authority. Since assuming office in 2012, Xi Jinping has implemented various measures to strengthen party discipline and combat corruption within the Communist Party. Despite facing criticism for the removal of term limits for the president, Xi Jinping remains dedicated to his vision of establishing China as a global superpower. His integrity and commitment to the betterment of the country have earned him respect both domestically and internationally. In recognition of his influence and leadership, Xi Jinping was named “the most powerful and influential person in the world” by Forbes magazine in 2018.
Quick Facts
- Age: 70 Years, 70 Year Old Males
- Family: Spouse/Ex-: Peng Liyuan (m. 1987), Ke Lingling (m. 1979–1982), father: Xi Zhongxun, mother: Qi Xin, siblings: Qi Qiaoqiao, Xi An’an, Xi Yuanping, children: Xi Mingze
- Born Country: China
- Quotes By Xi Jinping
- Presidents
- Height: 5’11” (180 cm), 5’11” Males
- City: Beijing, China
- More Facts
- Education: Tsinghua University
Childhood & Early Life
Xi Jinping was born on 15 June 1953, in Beijing, China, to Xi Zhongxun and Qi Xin. He has two elder sisters, Qiaoqiao and An’an. After the founding of PRC, his father held several posts, such as party propaganda chief and vice chairperson of the ‘National People’s Congress.’ While occasionally dismissed as a princeling, Xi Jinping’s journey to the top was not an easy one.
In 1962, Xi’s father was removed from his position of vice-premier and later imprisoned. Subsequently, Xi was sent to the rural village of Liangjiahe to work and live among the locals, with whom he was very popular. While in Liangjiahe, he lived in a typical cave-like dwelling, fetched water from a well, and subsisted mainly on rice gruel. After seven years, he went to ‘Tsinghua University’ in the capital city of Beijing to study chemical engineering. ‘Tsinghua University’ is known for producing much of China’s governing elite.
Throughout his youth, Xi tried to join the ‘Communist Party’ several times. He was consistently rejected due to his father’s broken relationship with the party.
Career
In 1974, he was finally allowed into the party, and he began his political career as an aide to Geng Biao. Geng was a top leader of the ‘People’s Liberation Army.’ Xi served three years as the party secretary in the Hebei province of China. Transferred to Fujian in 1985, he took up various party posts, including the post of deputy mayor of Xiamen. He proposed several infrastructure improvements, all of which were rejected by the provincial authorities.
In 1987, Xi moved to Ningde where he served as a district party chief. He launched a conservation campaign that beautified the major artery connecting Ningde to the greater Fujian province. He was the party leader in Fuzhou, the provincial capital, from 1998 to 2000. Credited with stimulating foreign investment, Xi revitalized the historical ‘Three Lanes and Seven Alleys’ section. His reputation as an honest and efficient politician rose steadily during his time in Fujian province. In 1999, he was named Fujian’s provincial governor.
In 2003, he moved to the province of Zhejiang where he served as governor and party secretary. During his tenure, private industries quadrupled its research and development investment in the province. In 2007, he was chosen to lead the party in Shanghai. The decision was made on account of his reputed integrity in the wake of scandal. 2008 was a watershed year for Xi Jinping. He was named in the ‘Standing Committee of the Communist Party’ and—shortly thereafter—vice president of the PRC. In 2012, he assumed the position of general secretary of the ‘Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.’ Since China is a one-party state, this is functionally the most powerful position in the country.
Later in 2012, Xi was elected president of the People’s Republic of China. Thanks to his political supremacy, he has been the ‘Paramount Leader’ in China since 2012.
Major Works
Among his writings is ‘The Governance of China,’ a compilation of political philosophy, released in 2014 by ‘ICP Intercultural Press.’ It ranks among the top 50 in the ‘politics and government—Asian’ category of ‘Amazon’ rankings. In the same year, ‘Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press’ published ‘Approachable: The Charm of Xi Jinping’s Words’ – a collection of quotes by President Xi.
Awards & Achievements
President Xi Jinping was honored by the Cuban government in 2014 with the ‘Order of José Marti,’ the highest honor Cuba can confer. Named after a revered revolutionary and writer, this award was given in recognition of Xi’s efforts to strengthen Cuban-Chinese ties, and to strengthen the socialist cause.
Personal Life & Legacy
In 1987, he married folk singer Peng Liyuan. She is renowned for her performance on state television. She is also popular as a fashion trend-setter. In addition, she holds the rank of General in the ‘People’s Liberation Army.’ In 1992, the couple had their only child, a daughter named Xi Mingze. She received her college education from ‘Harvard University.’ She has been maintaining a low profile since her graduation.
Trivia
Until his ascendency to the presidency, Xi Jinping’s wife was maintaining a high profile in China. In 1985, this famous politician made a trip to the U.S. where he stayed with a rural family in Iowa.