To know the story of Xi Jinping, one of the most influential leaders in contemporary China, is to plunge into the heart of Chinese culture and values. His career, marked by personal trials and remarkable political rise, reflects the fundamental principles that have shaped Chinese society for centuries. But did you know that understanding the history of figures like Xi Jinping can help you get into Chinese culture and understand today's China? By exploring his life path, his ideas and his impact on modern China, you will discover not only an amazing personality, but also the keys to better understanding the Chinese language and culture. Whether you are a beginner or passionate about the Middle Kingdom, this article invites you to discover how the story of Xi Jinping can help you plunge into the soul of a thousand-year-old civilization.
Xi Jinping was born on June 15, 1953 in Beijing, in a family deeply rooted in the political history of China. His father, Xi Zhongxun, was a veteran revolutionary and a close collaborator of Mao Zedong, playing a key role in the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. This prestigious ancestry gave Xi Jinping a privileged childhood, marked by access to the country's political and intellectual elite.
However, the political upheavals of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) rapidly changed the course of his life. In 1962, his father was accused of deviationism and removed from power, plunging the family into disgrace. At only 13, Xi Jinping is facing a brutal reality: he is losing his privileges and facing public stigma. This episode marked the beginning of a particularly difficult but also formative period of life.
These complex origins illustrate the social and political dynamics specific to China at the time, a country in full transformation. For Chinese language learners, understanding this historical context is essential in order to grasp the cultural and linguistic nuances that still permeate Chinese society today. Xi Jinping's family history embodies the core values of Confucianism, such as resilience in the face of adversity and the importance of family connections, themes that are pervasive in the Chinese language and its idioms.
At just 15, Xi Jinping was sent to the remote village of Liangjiahe in poor Shaanxi province as part of the movement. “Xiafang” (sending young intellectuals to the countryside). Far from the comfort of Beijing, he discovered a harsh existence, sharing the daily life of peasants and sleeping in a furnished cave.
For seven years (1969-1975), he worked as a simple farmer, learning to plow fields, keep animals and endure extreme living conditions. This experience builds his character and gives him an intimate understanding of the difficulties of the Chinese people. “Then I understood what hunger was,” he said later.
Informal but valuable learning of popular Chinese
These years play a key role in his mastery of Chinese:
Xi Jinping will derive his famous maxim from this: “To serve the people, you must first understand the people”, a philosophy that can be applied by anyone who wants to truly master the Chinese language in its richness and complexity.
After his formative years in Shaanxi, Xi Jinping began a methodical political ascent, marked by his pragmatism and his strategic vision for China. His career perfectly illustrates the workings of the Chinese political system, while offering keys to understanding contemporary society.
In 1975, Xi Jinping joined Tsinghua University, one of the most prestigious institutions in China, where he studied chemical engineering. Graduating in 1979, he began a political career by becoming the personal secretary of a senior military official, then gradually climbing the ranks.
His time in economically dynamic provinces such as Fujian (1985-2002) and Zhejiang (2002-2007) revealed his talents as an administrator:
In 2007, he joined the Politburo Standing Committee, before being appointed Vice President in 2008. In 2012, he became General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, then President of the Republic in 2013. Its arrival marks a turning point with:
Xi Jinping thus embodies the synthesis between Chinese tradition and modern ambitions, offering a unique window into the country's language and mentality. His story shows that mastering Chinese also means understanding the forces that shape China today.
The rise of Xi Jinping is not limited to his political journey - it also reflects a deep connection to China's cultural heritage. His approach to governance constantly integrates classical references and a traditional vision of power, thus offering an open door to contemporary Chinese culture.
Xi regularly draws on China's rich literary heritage:
This mastery of classical heritage allows it to:
✔ Legitimizing policies through tradition
✔ Strengthen national cultural cohesion
✔ Exporting a sophisticated image of China
The concept of “Socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era” introduced:
“Chinese culture is like a big tree whose roots go deep into our history.”, said Xi Jinping. For those who study Chinese, understanding this cultural dimension is essential to truly master the language in all its subtleties.
