Xi Jinping's Political Journey Overview

Nov 4, 2024

Lecture Notes: Xi Jinping's Rise to Power

Introduction

  • Presenter: Sean Mantesso
  • Focus: Story of Xi Jinping's rise to power
  • Themes: Persistence, survival, ruthless politics

Early Life

  • Birth: 1953, son of revolutionary Xi Jiongshun
  • Background: Princeling group - elite political connections
    • Life disrupted in the 1960s during China's political turmoil

Cultural Revolution

  • Period: Began 1966, a time of violence and destruction
  • Impact: Intellectuals and so-called enemies targeted
    • Xi's sister was a victim
    • Xi sent to countryside, lived in cave for over six years
  • Adversity: Excluded from school, faced harassment
  • Response: Became more committed to the Communist Party
    • Aimed to become "redder than red" to survive

Path to Joining the Party

  • Challenges: 10 attempts to join Communist Party due to father's tarnished reputation
  • Success: Joined in 1973 as the Cultural Revolution waned

Rise through Political Ranks

  • Education: Studied chemical engineering at Qinghua University
  • Career Path: Various leadership roles in counties, municipalities, provinces
    • Party chief of Zhejiang Province (2002-2007)
    • Known for economic credentials and clean image
  • Shanghai Appointment: Replaced corrupt official Chen Liangyu in 2006
    • Marked significant political advancement

National Leadership

  • 17th Party Congress: Xi positioned for leadership despite initial setbacks
    • Gained support over rival Li Keqiang
  • Ascension: Elected to Standing Committee of the Politburo

Presidency

  • Roles: Head of Communist Party, military, and state by 2013
  • Policies: Anti-corruption campaign targeting high and low-level officials
    • Campaign also served as political purging

Constitutional Changes

  • Term Limits: Abolished in 2018, enabling potential indefinite rule
  • Personality Cult: Media and propaganda liken Xi to Chairman Mao

Global Impact

  • Assertiveness: Increased Chinese influence globally
  • Censorship: Strengthened control over dissent

Risks and Responsibilities

  • Concentration of Power: High personal risk with accumulated power
  • Future Challenges: Potential crises could leave Xi isolated

Conclusion

  • Xi Jinping's leadership has transformed China’s political landscape
  • His tenure reflects both great power and significant vulnerabilities

These notes summarize Xi Jinping's political journey and the implications of his leadership on China's domestic and international stage.