Xi Jinping, the President of the People’s Republic of China and General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), has emerged as one of the most powerful and influential leaders in the world today. Since assuming the highest offices in China in 2012-2013, Xi has overseen a period of profound economic, social, and geopolitical transformation, as China has asserted its growing power and influence on the global stage. Xi’s speeches, writings, and public statements offer a window into his political philosophy, his vision for China’s future, and his approach to the complex challenges facing his country and the world. In this article, we explore some of Xi Jinping’s most significant and revealing quotes, examining their context, meaning, and implications for China and the international community.
1. “The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is no walk in the park or mere drum-beating and gong-clanging.”
This quote, which Xi delivered during a speech at the first session of the 13th National People’s Congress in 2018, encapsulates his vision of the “Chinese Dream” and his recognition of the challenges and obstacles China faces in realizing its ambitious goals. The “great rejuvenation” refers to Xi’s vision of restoring China to its historical status as a prosperous, powerful, and respected nation, overcoming the “century of humiliation” at the hands of foreign powers and reclaiming its rightful place in the world.
Xi’s words underscore the magnitude and complexity of this undertaking, suggesting that it will require hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance from the Chinese people. The phrase “no walk in the park” emphasizes that the path to national rejuvenation will be arduous and fraught with difficulties, while the reference to “drum-beating and gong-clanging” suggests that empty rhetoric and symbolic gestures will not suffice. Instead, Xi’s quote implies that realizing the Chinese Dream will demand concrete actions, strategic planning, and a sustained commitment to the long-term goals of the nation.
2. “No country can afford to retreat into self-isolation or try to ride out the storm by itself. Cooperation is the only way to sustain the smooth functioning of the global economy.”
This quote, which Xi made during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2017, reflects his understanding of the interconnected nature of the global economy and his advocacy for international cooperation and multilateralism. Xi’s words came at a time of rising protectionism and nationalism in many parts of the world, as countries grappled with the economic and social disruptions of globalization and the lingering effects of the global financial crisis.
Xi’s quote offers a direct challenge to the idea that countries can insulate themselves from global challenges by retreating into isolation or pursuing narrow self-interest. Instead, he argues that cooperation and coordination among nations are essential to maintaining the stability and vitality of the global economic system. Xi’s words reflect China’s growing role as a champion of globalization and multilateralism, as it seeks to expand its economic and strategic influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and its leadership in international organizations like the United Nations and the G20.
3. “The people’s aspiration to live a better life must always be the focus of our efforts.”
This quote, which Xi made during a speech at the 19th National Congress of the CCP in 2017, reflects his emphasis on improving the quality of life for the Chinese people and ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared more widely. Xi’s words respond to growing concerns about income inequality, environmental degradation, and social tensions in China, as the country has undergone rapid urbanization and development in recent decades.
Xi’s quote suggests that the ultimate purpose of China’s development is not just to boost GDP or enhance national power, but to improve the living standards and well-being of the Chinese people. The phrase “people’s aspiration” implies a bottom-up approach to governance, in which the needs and desires of ordinary citizens are the driving force behind policy decisions. At the same time, the reference to “our efforts” emphasizes the central role of the CCP in guiding and shaping China’s development, and the importance of maintaining the party’s leadership and legitimacy in the eyes of the people.
4. “Development holds the master key to solving all problems.”
This quote, which Xi made during the same 19th National Congress speech as the previous one, sums up his central belief in the transformative power of economic development to address China’s challenges and improve people’s lives. For Xi, development is not just a means to an end, but an end in itself – the key to unlocking China’s full potential and realizing its global ambitions.
Xi’s quote reflects a long-standing emphasis on economic growth and modernization in Chinese policymaking, dating back to the “reform and opening up” period under Deng Xiaoping in the 1980s. At the same time, Xi’s words suggest a more expansive and holistic vision of development, encompassing not just GDP growth but also factors like innovation, sustainability, and social welfare. The phrase “master key” implies that development is not a panacea, but a critical tool that must be wielded strategically and effectively to address China’s complex and multifaceted challenges.
5. “Openness brings progress, while self-seclusion leaves one behind.”
This quote, which Xi made during a keynote speech at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in 2021, underscores his commitment to economic openness and global engagement, even as China faces growing pushback and competition from other countries. Xi’s words come at a time of rising tensions between China and the United States, as well as concerns about China’s economic practices and its growing assertiveness on the world stage.
Xi’s quote offers a direct rebuttal to the idea that China can achieve its goals through isolation or self-reliance, and a strong endorsement of the benefits of international trade, investment, and cooperation. The phrase “openness brings progress” suggests that China’s economic success has been built on its willingness to engage with the world and learn from others, while “self-seclusion leaves one behind” implies that turning inward will only lead to stagnation and decline. At the same time, Xi’s words leave open the question of what kind of openness China is willing to embrace, and how it will balance its own interests with those of other countries and the international community.
6. “We must uphold the fighting spirit of the Chinese Communist Party.”
This quote, which Xi made during a speech commemorating the centenary of the founding of the CCP in 2021, encapsulates his vision of the party’s central role in China’s past, present, and future. The quote reflects Xi’s emphasis on maintaining the CCP’s ideological purity, organizational discipline, and political legitimacy, even as China undergoes rapid social and economic changes.
Xi’s reference to the “fighting spirit” of the CCP evokes the party’s revolutionary origins and its long history of struggle and sacrifice in pursuit of national liberation and socialist transformation. The phrase suggests that the party must remain true to its founding principles and be willing to fight for its beliefs and interests, even in the face of new challenges and adversaries. At the same time, Xi’s words underscore the importance of adapting the party’s methods and strategies to the changing realities of the 21st century, and of maintaining its relevance and appeal to younger generations of Chinese citizens.
Conclusion
Xi Jinping’s quotes offer a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of the world’s most powerful and consequential leaders, and a window into the complex challenges and opportunities facing China in the 21st century. From his vision of national rejuvenation and his emphasis on economic development, to his commitment to global engagement and his insistence on party leadership, Xi’s words reflect a distinctive blend of ambition, pragmatism, and ideological conviction.
As China continues to rise and assert its influence on the world stage, Xi’s quotes will undoubtedly continue to shape and reflect the country’s trajectory, as well as its relationships with other nations and the international community. By examining Xi’s words carefully and critically, we can gain valuable insights into China’s priorities, strategies, and worldview, and better understand the implications for global politics, economics, and security in the years ahead.
At the same time, Xi’s quotes also invite us to reflect on the enduring questions and challenges facing all nations and leaders in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. How can countries balance the imperatives of growth and sustainability, openness and security, diversity and unity? How can leaders navigate the competing demands of domestic and international audiences, short-term and long-term goals, principles and pragmatism? By grappling with these questions and learning from each other’s experiences and perspectives, we can work towards a more peaceful, prosperous, and cooperative global future.