By Mark DaCosta- Xi Jinping was born on June 15,1953, in Beijing, China. He is a prominent, contravertial political figure who has served as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the People’s Republic of China (CPC) since 2012 and the President of the PRC since 2013. He is internationally regarded as one of the most influential leaders on the world stage, and a potential history making man in China and on the international arena.
Xi Jinping comes from a humble family, but with a strong political background. His father, Xi Zhongxun, was a revolutionary hero and veteran, and a former vice-premier of China. Growing up in this environment, Xi developed a deep understanding of, and interest in the country’s political history and landscape and, he has said, the importance of public service.
During the tumultuous ten years of the Cultural Revolution in China – formally known as the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution ,which began in 1966 –Xi Jinping’s family faced significant challenges. His father was purged from the party, and Xi himself was sent to the countryside for “re-education,” which is, in fact, political indoctrination. This may have been a pivotal time in his life. Analysts say that this experience may have had the greatest influence in shaping his character, and instilling in him a notable and obvious sense of resilience and determination. Analysts believe that it is at this point that he probably decided to enter politics.
In 1974, Xi Jinping began his political career in the rural province of Hebei – China’s provinces are comparable to Guyana’s regions. He worked as a secretary to the local Communist Party committee, where he gained valuable experience in grassroots politics and governance within the context of a communist system. Over the years, Xi steadily climbed the political ladder, holding ever more influential positions in different provinces across China. He held official positions on numerous committees and offices – too many to be listed here.
Xi’s rise to power accelerated in 2007 when he was appointed as a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo – the highest decision-making body in China. This marked another major turning point in his career, because in this job he became a key player and decision maker in shaping the country’s policies and direction.
In 2012, Xi Jinping was elected as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, succeeding Hu Jintao. His ascension to power brought about a new era in Chinese politics, characterised by a focus on dramatic economic reforms, anti-corruption campaigns, and strengthening of China’s global influence.
Under Xi’s leadership, China has pursued a remarkably ambitious agenda of economic development and modernisation. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, aims to enhance connectivity and trade between China and countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond. This trillion dollars initiative has been instrumental in expanding China’s economic influence globally. In fact, it is widely regarded as the biggest project undertaken by any government in modern times. Incidentally, Guyana is one of some 155 countries that have signed onto the BRI.
Xi Jinping has also been at the forefront of China’s anti-corruption campaign, which has targeted both high-ranking officials and grassroots bureaucrats. This campaign has been widely seen by analysts as an effort to restore public trust in the Communist Party and promote Xi’s style of governance. The campaign continues to produce major shake ups in the administrative structure of the government, with many high ranking officials being fired.
Internationally, Xi has sought to position China as a major player on the world stage. He has championed the concept of a “community of shared future for mankind,” emphasising the need for global cooperation and multilateralism. However, his assertive foreign policy, particularly in the South China Sea and with regard to Taiwan, has drawn criticism from some quarters, particularly western countries. He has also taken controversial foreign policy positions towards the United States, India, Russia, and Hong Kong.
Despite his achievements in China, where he is highly regarded, Xi Jinping’s leadership has been undoubtedly controversial. Concerns have been raised about human rights abuses, censorship, and the concentration of central power under his rule. Critics argue that his consolidation of power has undermined freedoms and stifled dissent. For example, he has enacted a policy to completely clamp down on opposition forces in Hong Kong.
Xi Jinping’s quiet demeanor should not be misinterpreted. In contrast to his humble appearance, his whole life is one of political ambition, resilience, and unwavering determination. From his humble beginnings to his current position as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and the President of the China, Xi has played a pivotal role in shaping China’s political landscape and its role in the world. His leadership style, policies, programmes, and apparent limitless ambition continue to shape the country’s trajectory, and that fact is certain to have a lasting impact on both China and the international community.
