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 held these positions since 2012. His leadership has significantly impacted China's domestic policies and international relations, shaping the country's approach to business and trade on a global scale.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Xi Jinping has implemented significant reforms aimed at consolidating power, including the elimination of presidential term limits in 2018, allowing him to potentially rule indefinitely.
2. Under Xi's leadership, China has taken a more assertive role on the world stage, seeking to expand its influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative.
3. Xi has emphasized a focus on national security, implementing policies that prioritize stability and control over dissent within China.
4. His administration has been marked by a crackdown on corruption within the Communist Party, which he has portrayed as a way to restore party legitimacy and strengthen governance.
5. Xi Jinping's leadership is characterized by an emphasis on 'Chinese Dream', promoting national rejuvenation and aiming to position China as a global superpower by 2049.

Review Questions

• How has Xi Jinping's leadership style affected China's domestic policies and international relations?
  • Xi Jinping's leadership style is marked by a centralized approach that consolidates power within the Communist Party. Domestically, this has led to increased government control over various sectors, including media and civil society. Internationally, his assertive policies, particularly through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, have positioned China as a major global player while also increasing tensions with other nations.
• Evaluate the implications of Xi Jinping's decision to eliminate presidential term limits on China's political landscape.
  • The removal of presidential term limits under Xi Jinping has significant implications for China's political landscape. It allows him to maintain power indefinitely, potentially leading to a more authoritarian regime with less political competition. This change could also impact how policies are implemented, as long-term leadership may focus on ambitious goals without immediate accountability, fundamentally altering the trajectory of China's governance.
• Assess how Xi Jinping's emphasis on national security reflects broader trends in global politics today.
  • Xi Jinping's strong emphasis on national security mirrors broader trends in global politics where many leaders prioritize sovereignty and stability over liberal democratic values. This shift reflects a growing global concern about external influences and internal dissent. His approach also reinforces a narrative of resilience against perceived threats from abroad, fostering national unity while potentially isolating China from more collaborative international frameworks.

Related terms

Belt and Road Initiative: A global development strategy adopted by Xi Jinping that aims to enhance regional connectivity and embrace a brighter economic future by building infrastructure and broadening trade links across Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Socialism with Chinese Characteristics: The official ideology of the Communist Party of China, which integrates socialist principles with Chinese realities and has been emphasized during Xi Jinping's leadership as a framework for economic development.

Authoritarianism: A political system characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms, often associated with Xi Jinping's governance style and the tightening control over various aspects of Chinese society.