Xi Jinping facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Xi Jinping
习近平
Xi in 2024
General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party
Incumbent
Assumed office 15 November 2012
Preceded by	Hu Jintao
7th President of China
Incumbent
Assumed office 14 March 2013
Premier	Li Keqiang Li Qiang
Vice President	Li Yuanchao (2013‍–‍2018) Wang Qishan (2018‍–‍2023) Han Zheng (2023‍–‍present)
Preceded by	Hu Jintao
Chairman of the Central Military Commission
Incumbent
Assumed office Party Commission: 15 November 2012 State Commission: 14 March 2013
Deputy	Fan Changlong Xu Qiliang Zhang Youxia He Weidong
Preceded by	Hu Jintao
First-ranked Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party
In office 22 October 2007 – 15 November 2012
General Secretary	Hu Jintao
Preceded by	Zeng Qinghong
Succeeded by	Liu Yunshan
8th Vice President of China
In office 15 March 2008 – 14 March 2013
President	Hu Jintao
Preceded by	Zeng Qinghong
Succeeded by	Li Yuanchao
Personal details
Born	(1953-06-15) 15 June 1953 (age 72) Beijing, China
Political party	CCP (since 1974)
Spouses	Ke Lingling ​ ​ (m. 1979; div. 1982)​ Peng Liyuan ​ (m. 1987)​
Children	Xi Mingze
Parents	Xi Zhongxun Qi Xin
Relatives	Qi Qiaoqiao (sister)
Residence	Zhongnanhai
Alma mater	Tsinghua University
Awards	Full list
Signature
Scientific career
Thesis	Research on China's Rural Marketization (2001)
Doctoral advisor	Liu Meixun (刘美珣)
Chinese name
Simplified Chinese	习近平
Traditional Chinese	習近平
Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin Xí Jìnpíng Bopomofo ㄒㄧˊ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄆㄧㄥˊ Wade–Giles Hsi2 Chin4-pʻing2 MPS2 Shí Jìn-píng IPA [ɕǐ tɕîn.pʰǐŋ] Wu Shanghainese Romanization Zih8 Jin6-bin6 Hakka Romanization Sip6 Kiun4 Pin2 Pha̍k-fa-sṳ Si̍p Khiun-phìn Yue: Cantonese Yale Romanization Jaahp Gahn-pìhng IPA [tsàːp̚ kɐ̀n.pʰȅŋ] Jyutping Zaap6 Gan6-ping4 Southern Min Hokkien POJ Si̍p Kīn-pêng Tâi-lô Si̍p Kīn-pîng Bbánlám Pìngyīm Síp Gîn-bíng Eastern Min Fuzhou BUC Sĭk Gê̤ṳng-ping
Central institution membership 2007–: 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th Politburo Standing Committee 2007–: 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th Politburo 2007–2012: Secretary (first-ranked), 17th Central Secretariat 2002–: Full member, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th Central Committee 1997–2002: Alternate member, 15th Central Committee 1998–: Delegate, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th National People's Congress Leading Groups and Commissions 2018–present: Director, Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission 2018–present: Director, Central Foreign Affairs Commission 2018–2023: Director, Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission 2018–present: Director, Central Comprehensively Deepening Reforms Commission 2014–present: Leader, Leading Group for Defence and Military Reform 2014–2018: Leader, Leading Group for Internet Security and Informatization 2013–present: Chairman, National Security Commission 2013–2018: Leader, Leading Group for Financial and Economic Affairs 2013–2018: Leader, Central Leading Group for Comprehensively Deepening Reforms 2012–present: Leader, Central Leading Group for Taiwan Affairs 2012–2018: Leader, Foreign Affairs Leading Group 2007–2012: Leader Group for Party Building c. 2007–2012: Leader, Leading Group for Activities of Deepening the Study and Practice of the Outlook of Scientific Development 2007–2012: Leader, Central Coordination Group for Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Other offices held 2016–present: Supreme Commander, Joint Battle Command of the People's Liberation Army 2010–2013: Vice Chairman, State Central Military Commission 2010–2012: Vice Chairman, Party Central Military Commission 2008–2013: Vice President of China 2007–2012: President, Central Party School 2007: Party Committee Secretary, Shanghai municipality 2002–2007: Party Secretary, Zhejiang province, director, Standing Committee of the Zhejiang Provincial People's Congress 2002: Deputy Party Secretary & acting governor, Zhejiang province 1999–2002: Governor, Fujian province 1995–2002: Deputy Party Secretary, Fujian province 1990–1996: Party Secretary, Fuzhou 1990–1996: Chairman, Standing Committee of the Fuzhou Municipal People's Congress 1988–1990: Party Secretary, Ningde 1985–1988: Deputy Mayor, Xiamen 1983–1985: Party Secretary, Zhengding County Paramount Leader of the People's Republic of China ← Hu Jintao (Current holder)

Xi Jinping (born June 15, 1953) is a Chinese politician. He has been the top leader of China since 2012. His main roles are General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Chairman of the Central Military Commission. Since 2013, Xi has also been the president of China. He is the first CCP General Secretary born after the People's Republic of China (PRC) was founded.

Xi is the son of a Chinese communist leader, Xi Zhongxun. As a teenager, he was sent to live in a rural area during the Cultural Revolution. He lived in a cave house in Liangjiahe village. There, he joined the CCP after trying several times. He also worked as the local party secretary. After studying chemical engineering at Tsinghua University, Xi moved up in politics. He served in coastal provinces like Fujian and Zhejiang. In 2007, he briefly became the party secretary of Shanghai. Later that year, he joined the top leadership group, the Politburo Standing Committee. In 2008, he became the vice president. He was seen as the future leader after Hu Jintao.

As China's leader, Xi has focused on strengthening the CCP. He launched a big anti-corruption campaign. This led to many officials being removed. He also started policies to increase fairness, like poverty reduction programs. He has supported state-owned businesses. During the COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China, he first led a strict "zero-COVID" policy. This policy aimed to stop the virus completely.

In foreign policy, Xi has taken a stronger stance. He has focused on China's role in the world. He promoted the Belt and Road Initiative to boost China's economic ties. He also oversaw a new national security law in Hong Kong. This law tightened control over the city.

Since Xi became leader, there has been more censorship and mass surveillance. There have also been concerns about human rights. This includes the internment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang. In 2018, term limits for the presidency were removed. This allowed him to serve more than two terms. His political ideas, called Xi Jinping Thought, are now part of China's constitutions. In October 2022, Xi was chosen for a third term as CCP General Secretary. He was re-elected president in March 2023.

Early Life and Education

Xi Jinping was born in Beijing on June 15, 1953. He is the second son of Xi Zhongxun and Qi Xin. His father held important government jobs after the PRC was founded in 1949. Xi went to schools in Beijing in the 1960s.

In 1963, when Xi was 10, his father was removed from his job. He was sent to work in a factory. In May 1966, the Cultural Revolution began. This stopped Xi's schooling. His family's home was searched. One of his sisters died. His mother was forced to speak against his father in public. His father was later imprisoned in 1968.

When Xi was 15, he was sent to work in Liangjiahe Village. This was part of Mao Zedong's plan to send young people to the countryside. He worked as the local party secretary. He lived in a cave house. This experience made him feel connected to poor rural people. He tried to join the CCP ten times and was finally accepted in 1974. From 1975 to 1979, Xi studied chemical engineering at Tsinghua University.

Early Political Career

From 1979 to 1982, Xi worked as a secretary for Geng Biao. Geng was a former colleague of Xi's father. In 1982, Xi was sent to Zhengding County in Hebei province. He became the top official there in 1983.

Xi then worked in four different provinces. These were Hebei (1982–1985), Fujian (1985–2002), Zhejiang (2002–2007), and Shanghai (2007). In 1997, he became an alternate member of the CCP's Central Committee.

From 1998 to 2002, Xi studied Marxist theory at Tsinghua University. He earned a doctorate degree. In 1999, he became the Vice Governor of Fujian. A year later, he became the governor. In Fujian, he worked to bring in investments from Taiwan. He also tried to make the private business sector stronger.

In 2002, Xi moved to Zhejiang province. He became the provincial Party Committee secretary. This was his first time holding a top provincial job. While in Zhejiang, the economy grew quickly. He was known for being tough on corrupt officials. This made him noticed by China's top leaders.

In March 2007, Xi was moved to Shanghai. He became the party secretary there for seven months. He was known for following party rules strictly. He refused special treatment, like a private train. He worked to keep the local party united.

Rise to National Leadership

Xi Jinping greeting U.S. president George W. Bush in August 2008

Xi Jinping with Russian president Dmitry Medvedev on 28 September 2010

In October 2007, Xi was appointed to the nine-member Politburo Standing Committee. This showed he was likely to become China's next leader. In March 2008, he was elected as Vice President of the PRC.

As Vice President, Xi had many important tasks. He helped prepare for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. He also handled affairs related to Hong Kong and Macau. He became the head of the Central Party School. This school trains party members. After the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, Xi visited the affected areas. His first foreign trip as Vice President was to North Korea and other countries in June 2008.

Some people who knew Xi described him as "thoughtful" and "pragmatic." Former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew said Xi had "enormous emotional stability."

Trips as Vice President

In February 2009, Xi traveled to Latin America. He visited Mexico, Jamaica, and other countries. He said that China's efforts to feed its 1.3 billion people were a great help to humanity. He also visited countries in Europe and Asia.

The Muscatine, Iowa house where Xi stayed with an American family during a 1985 agricultural visit to the United States. The home was turned into a museum decades later.

In February 2012, he visited the United States, Ireland, and Turkey. In the U.S., he met with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. He also visited Iowa, where he had stayed with an American family in 1985.

Becoming Top Leader

On November 15, 2012, Xi was chosen as the General Secretary of the CCP. He also became the chairman of the Central Military Commission. This made him the informal top leader of China. He was the first leader born after the PRC was founded.

In his first speech, Xi spoke simply. He talked about what ordinary people hoped for. He promised to fight corruption. In December 2012, Xi visited Guangdong. This trip showed his support for more economic reforms. He often spoke about the "Chinese Dream." This dream is about China becoming a strong nation.

On March 14, 2013, Xi was elected president of China. He replaced Hu Jintao. He received almost all votes from the 12th National People's Congress.

Leadership of China

Fighting Corruption

When Xi became leader, he promised to fight corruption. He introduced rules to stop waste in official party business. He said he would go after both "tigers" (high-ranking officials) and "flies" (ordinary party workers).

His campaign led to many important officials being removed. These included former top leaders and generals. Special teams were sent out to investigate local party groups. In the first two years, over 200,000 officials received warnings or punishments. Some critics say this campaign was also used to remove political rivals.

Controlling Information

Since Xi became General Secretary, control over information has increased. He said that state media must follow the party's will. More rules have been put on the internet. China has blocked many foreign websites and apps.

A law in 2013 allowed prison terms for bloggers who shared "defamatory" content. Many bloggers stopped writing about sensitive topics. The use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which help people access blocked sites, has also been restricted.

Strengthening Power

Portrait of Xi in Beijing, September 2015

Many people see Xi as the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong. In 2018, the National People's Congress removed term limits for the president. This means Xi can serve more than two terms. He has brought more power to himself. He now leads many important committees.

In November 2021, the CCP passed a "historical resolution." This document praised Xi's leadership. In October 2022, Xi secured a third term as CCP General Secretary. He was re-elected president in March 2023. This made him the first party leader since Mao Zedong to serve a third term.

Cult of Personality

A "cult of personality" has grown around Xi. Books, cartoons, and songs praise his leadership. The village where he worked as a youth is now decorated with propaganda about him. He has been called Xi Dada (Uncle or Papa Xi). He has also been called lingxiu, a special term for "leader" used for Mao Zedong. In 2019, he was officially named "People's Leader."

Economy and Technology

Xi initially seemed to support market reforms. He launched the Shanghai Free-Trade Zone in 2013. However, he has also increased state control over the economy. He supports state-owned businesses. His government has invested heavily in key industries like technology.

Xi has made fighting extreme poverty a major goal. In 2021, he announced that China had achieved "complete victory" over extreme poverty. He said nearly 100 million people were lifted out of poverty. China's economy has grown significantly under his leadership.

He has promoted the "Made in China 2025" plan. This plan aims for China to be self-reliant in key technologies. He has also pushed for "common prosperity." This means making sure wealth is shared more fairly. This policy has led to new rules for tech and tutoring companies.

Major Reforms

In 2013, the Communist Party announced big reforms. These included changes to economic and social policies. Xi also strengthened control over internal security. He formed a new National Security Commission.

The party also decided to end the "re-education through labour" system. This system had faced much criticism. In 2016, China replaced the one-child policy with a two-child policy. Later, all family size limits were removed.

Military Reforms

Since 2012, Xi has worked to modernize China's military. He has taken a direct role in military reform. He has stressed that "the party has absolute control over the army." In 2015, he announced a reduction of 300,000 troops. This brought the army's size to 2 million.

In 2016, he changed the military's structure. He created new branches and agencies. China's military budget has more than doubled under Xi. The PLA Navy has grown quickly. China also opened its first overseas military base in Djibouti. Xi has also expanded China's nuclear weapons.

Foreign Policy

Xi Jinping with US President Joe Biden at the 17th G20 in Bali, November 2022

World leaders assemble for "family photo" at G20 summit in Hamburg

Xi has taken a stronger stance on foreign affairs. He wants China to be a "great power" on the world stage. He believes China should set clear "red lines" that other countries must not cross. He wants China to "lead the world" by 2049.

He has promoted "major-country diplomacy." This means China acts as a big global player. His foreign policy style is sometimes called "wolf warrior diplomacy." Xi believes the "East is rising and the West is declining." He has also emphasized building a "community with a shared future for mankind."

Xi having tea with Vladimir Putin in the garden of Zhongnanhai during Putin's visit to China in May 2024

Xi wants to increase China's "international discourse power." This means making China's voice heard more globally. He has launched initiatives like the Global Development Initiative. These aim to increase China's influence.

National Security

Xi has focused a lot on national security. He introduced a "holistic national security concept" in 2014. This idea covers all parts of the party and country. He believes national security includes political, economic, military, and cultural safety.

His government has passed many laws related to national security. These include laws on counter-espionage and cyber security. China's mass surveillance network has also grown significantly under Xi.

Hong Kong Policy

Hong Kong protesters throw eggs at Xi Jinping's portrait on National Day

Xi has supported closer ties between Hong Kong and mainland China. He has pushed for projects like the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge. These efforts have led to fewer freedoms in Hong Kong. China's central government now has more control over the city.

In 2020, a new national security law was passed for Hong Kong. This law greatly increased government control over political opposition. It was seen as a way to integrate Hong Kong more closely with the mainland. Xi visited Hong Kong in 2017 and 2022.

Taiwan Policy

Xi Jinping met with then-Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou in November 2015 in their capacity as the leader of mainland China and Taiwan respectively.

In November 2015, Xi met with then-Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou. This was the first meeting between leaders from both sides since 1950. Xi said that China and Taiwan are "one family." However, relations worsened after Tsai Ing-wen became Taiwan's president in 2016.

Xi has used strong language about Taiwan independence. He said China would "never allow any person... to split any part of the Chinese territory." He also said China would not promise to avoid using force.

Human Rights Concerns

According to Human Rights Watch, Xi's leadership has seen a "broad and sustained offensive on human rights." There have been crackdowns on activists. Many lawyers and human rights workers have been detained.

In some areas, Christians have been told to replace pictures of Jesus with Xi Jinping. Activists say there has been a severe suppression of Christianity. This includes destroying crosses and closing churches.

Xi's government has also adopted policies for ethnic minorities. These policies aim to make minorities more like the majority Han Chinese.

Xinjiang Policy

Xi Jinping's picture at the entrance hall of the Xinjiang Museum in Ürümqi, August 2018

After terrorist attacks in Xinjiang, Xi launched a campaign in 2014. This campaign involved mass detentions and surveillance of Uyghurs. By 2020, 1.8 million people were held in internment camps. These were mostly Uyghurs. Human rights groups describe these camps as places where minorities are forced to adopt Han Chinese culture.

Leaked documents showed that Xi ordered the security crackdown. He said the party must show "absolutely no mercy." He compared extremism to a "virus." However, he also warned against discriminating against Uyghurs.

COVID-19 Pandemic Response

On January 20, 2020, Xi first spoke about the emerging COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan. He ordered efforts to stop the virus from spreading. The government responded with lockdowns and censorship.

Xi later supported a "dynamic zero-COVID policy." This policy aimed to control the virus as much as possible. It involved local lockdowns and mass testing. While it initially helped control the outbreak, it was later criticized. It took a heavy toll on the economy and people's lives. In July 2022, it was reported that Xi and other leaders had taken local COVID-19 vaccines. China began easing the zero-COVID policy in late 2022.

Environmental Policy

Xi sees environmental protection as a top priority for China. In September 2020, he announced that China would aim for carbon neutrality before 2060. This would greatly reduce global warming. He linked the COVID-19 pandemic to nature destruction.

In 2021, Xi announced that China would not build new coal power projects abroad. He has popularized the idea of "two mountains." This means that clean water and green mountains are more valuable than gold or silver. It shows that economic growth must also protect the environment.

Leadership Style

Little is known about how Xi makes political decisions. His speeches are often released much later. He rarely holds press conferences. Reports suggest he likes to manage details himself. He also created a system to evaluate officials based on their loyalty.

Xi has encouraged officials to practice "self-criticism." This is meant to make them seem less corrupt and more popular.

Political Ideas

Chinese Dream

According to the Qiushi, the Chinese Dream is about Chinese prosperity, collective effort, socialism, and national glory.

Xi and CCP thinkers created the phrase "Chinese Dream." This describes his big plans for China. Xi first used it in November 2012. It has become his main political slogan. The "Chinese Dream" is linked to the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation." This means making China strong and prosperous again.

Cultural Revival

Xi has supported bringing back ancient Chinese ideas. He has quoted thinkers like Confucius. He believes traditional Chinese culture is the "soul" of the nation. He has also supported the revival of Hanfu, traditional Chinese clothing.

Main Ideas

Xi has said that "only socialism can save China." He believes that socialism with Chinese characteristics is the right path for China. He sees himself as a Marxist–Leninist. He believes socialism will eventually win over capitalism.

He has said that the CCP leads everything in China. He believes that without the CCP, there would be no new China. He has ruled out a multi-party system for China. However, he calls China a "socialist democracy." He says it is "the most comprehensive, genuine and effective democracy."

Xi Jinping Thought

A billboard promoting Xi Jinping Thought in Shenzhen

In September 2017, the CCP decided that Xi's political ideas would be added to the Party Constitution. These ideas are called "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era." In March 2018, this thought was also added to China's state constitution.

The Governance of China in different languages presented at Shanghai Library

Xi describes his thought as part of China's socialist system. It is seen as a continuation of past Chinese leaders' ideas. It is also called "21st century Marxism." His ideas are explained in his book series, The Governance of China.

An app for learning Xi Jinping Thought became very popular in China in 2019. In 2021, the government added Xi Jinping Thought to school lessons. This includes students from primary school to university.

Personal Life

Family Life

Xi's first marriage was to Ke Lingling. They divorced after a few years. In 1987, Xi married Peng Liyuan, a famous Chinese folk singer. Peng was more well-known than Xi until he rose to power. She has taken on a more public role as China's "first lady."

Xi and Peng have a daughter named Xi Mingze. She graduated from Harvard University in 2015. She used a different name while studying there.

Personality

Peng Liyuan describes Xi as hardworking and down-to-earth. She said she never felt like there was a leader in the house. People who know him describe him as "pragmatic, serious, cautious, hard-working, down to earth and low-key." He is seen as good at solving problems. Chinese state media presents him as a fatherly figure who stands up for China.

Soccer Fan

Xi is a big soccer fan. He has a vision to make China a soccer superpower. He wants China to qualify for, host, and win a World Cup. In 2015, he approved a plan to include soccer in school lessons. The plan also aimed to set up 50,000 soccer schools by 2025.

Interests

Chinese state media has shared more about Xi's private life. He reportedly swims and walks every day. He enjoys foreign writers, especially Russian authors. Some of his favorite authors include Leo Tolstoy and Victor Hugo. He also likes films and TV shows like Saving Private Ryan and The Godfather.

Works

See also

In Spanish: Xi Jinping para niños