From Sent-Down Youth to Paramount Leader: The Rise of Xi Jinping

Xi Jinping, born on June 15, 1953 in Beijing, is the current President of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC). He has held these positions since 2013, making him the most powerful Chinese leader since Deng Xiaoping.

Xi Jinping as a young man

Xi's father, Xi Zhongxun, was a prominent politician who served as Vice Premier of China from 1959 to 1966. Xi's mother, Qi Xin, was a teacher. Xi was the third of four children. In his early years, Xi lived in the Zhongnanhai compound, a heavily secured area in Beijing where top Communist Party leaders resided.

Zhongnanhai compound

Xi was educated at the prestigious Tsinghua University, where he studied chemical engineering from 1971 to 1979. During his time at Tsinghua, Xi joined the CPC and became known for his political activism.

Tsinghua University

After graduating from Tsinghua, Xi was sent to work in the countryside as a "sent-down youth" for seven years. This experience had a profound impact on Xi, who later said that it taught him the importance of understanding the lives of ordinary people.

Sentdown youth in China

In 1982, Xi began his career in government, serving in various posts in the provinces of Hebei, Fujian, and Zhejiang. He rose through the ranks quickly, becoming mayor of Xiamen in 1995 and governor of Fujian in 1999.

Xiamen, China

Fujian, China

Xi's time in Fujian was marked by economic growth and development. He also gained a reputation for being a tough and effective leader. In 2002, Xi was transferred to Zhejiang Province, where he served as governor and then party secretary until 2007.

Shanghai, China

In 2008, Xi was elected Vice President of China. He also became a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo, the CPC's top decision-making body.

Standing Committee of the Politburo

In 2012, Xi was elected General Secretary of the CPC. This made him the paramount leader of China. He was also elected President of China in 2013.

Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party

Since assuming power, Xi has launched a number of ambitious initiatives, including the "Belt and Road Initiative" and the "Anti-Corruption Campaign." He has also cracked down on dissent and tightened control over the media and the internet.

Belt and Road Initiative

Xi has been praised for his strong leadership and his commitment to economic reform. However, he has also been criticized for his authoritarian tendencies and his suppression of human rights.

Xi is a complex and controversial figure. He is likely to remain the most powerful Chinese leader for many years to come.

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