Xi Jinping

Definition

Xi Jinping is the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and the President of the People's Republic of China, having assumed leadership in 2012. Under his leadership, he has sought to consolidate power, strengthen the role of the Communist Party, and expand China's influence on the global stage through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Xi Jinping has emphasized the concept of 'Chinese Dream', which focuses on national rejuvenation, economic prosperity, and cultural strength.
2. He has enacted significant anti-corruption measures within the Communist Party to consolidate power and eliminate rivals, which has also led to widespread public support.
3. Under Xi's leadership, China's military modernization has accelerated, asserting more influence in regional disputes and increasing its global military presence.
4. Xi Jinping has promoted a more assertive foreign policy that challenges Western hegemony, seeking to position China as a leader in global governance.
5. The Belt and Road Initiative launched under Xi aims to create a modern Silk Road by developing infrastructure projects across several countries, enhancing trade routes, and expanding China's economic reach.

Review Questions

• How has Xi Jinping's leadership style impacted the governance structure of China?
  • Xi Jinping's leadership style has significantly centralized power within the Communist Party of China, promoting a more authoritarian approach to governance. He has consolidated authority by placing loyalists in key positions and reducing the influence of collective leadership that characterized previous administrations. This shift has enabled him to implement sweeping reforms and pursue ambitious initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative while minimizing opposition within the party.
• What role does Xi Jinping envision for China on the global stage through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative?
  • Xi Jinping envisions a more prominent role for China on the global stage by promoting initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative. This ambitious project aims to enhance international trade and investment through infrastructure development, thereby expanding China's influence in regions like Asia, Europe, and Africa. By positioning itself as a key player in global economic development, China under Xi seeks to challenge Western dominance and reshape international relations in its favor.
• Evaluate how Xi Jinping's policies reflect the broader objectives of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in relation to China's global strategy.
  • Xi Jinping's policies illustrate the broader objectives of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics by combining state control with market-oriented reforms while asserting China's role as a global leader. His emphasis on initiatives like the Belt and Road reflects a strategic approach that seeks to bolster China's economic interests abroad while maintaining Communist Party authority domestically. The intertwining of domestic governance with ambitious international strategies under Xi showcases how China aims to project power while adhering to its unique ideological framework.

Related terms

Belt and Road Initiative: A global development strategy adopted by China to enhance regional connectivity and embrace a brighter economic future through infrastructure and investment in countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Communist Party of China: The founding and ruling political party of modern China, established in 1921, which has maintained a single-party state since 1949.

Socialism with Chinese Characteristics: A political theory that describes China's unique approach to socialism, which incorporates market reforms while maintaining the Communist Party's control over politics and governance.