How Xi Jinping Became the Most Powerful Leader in China: The Rise to Power:  | The rise of Xi Jinping

Introduction

In China, the National Congress is a highly anticipated political event that reveals the top leadership positions of the ruling party every five years. These positions hold immense power and influence over the country. One leader in particular, Xi Jinping, has risen to become the most powerful figure in China since Mao Zedong, the revolutionary founder of the People's Republic of China. This blog explores, The rise of Xi Jinping, Xi Jinping's journey to power and how he went from being banished in his own country to taking complete control of it.

The Long March: A Connection to Mao

Xi Jinping's connection to Mao Zedong, the former leader of China, can be traced back to the Long March, a historic retreat undertaken by the Red Army during the Chinese Civil War. Mao, being a military leader at the time, played a significant role in leading the Red Army to safety. Xi's father, Xi Zhongxun, was a communist revolutionary who provided refuge to Mao's army at the end of the Long March. This familial connection to Mao would later influence Xi's own political journey.

Mao's Rise to Power

After the Long March, Mao solidified his position as the leader of the Chinese Communist Party. He became the head of the party and the military, wielding unchecked power over China. Mao's leadership was marked by his implementation of Maoism, a political ideology that became the guiding principle of the Chinese Communist Party. Under Mao's rule, China experienced famines, persecution, and the disastrous Cultural Revolution, which aimed to enforce loyalty to Maoism through violence and purges.

Deng Xiaoping and Power Sharing

Following Mao's death, Deng Xiaoping emerged as a leader who advocated for power sharing within the Chinese Communist Party. Deng introduced economic reforms that propelled China's rapid growth and established ties with other countries. This era, known as the Deng era, saw decentralization of power and policy innovation. Deng's approach set a precedent for power sharing in the party, a system that continued until Xi Jinping's rise to power.

Xi Jinping's Strategic Climb

Xi Jinping took a different approach to gaining power within the Chinese Communist Party. Instead of competing fiercely with others in Beijing, Xi took positions in rural, less competitive provinces. He worked his way up the party leadership ladder, gaining credibility as a hardworking party leader. This strategic move allowed him to cultivate a network of supporters and eventually return to Beijing as a member of the Politburo Standing Committee, the most powerful decision-making body in the party.

Xi Jinping's Consolidation of Power

Once in power, Xi Jinping launched an anti-corruption campaign that targeted his rivals within the party. This purge led to the arrests of hundreds of officials and allowed Xi to fill vacant positions with his own supporters. Xi's tightening grip on power became evident as he removed dissenting voices and promoted loyalty to his political ideology. In 2021, he introduced Xi Jinping Thought as the core guiding principle of the party, ensuring that his ideas could not be challenged.

Xi Jinping's Leadership and Challenges

Under Xi Jinping's leadership, China's economy has grown exponentially, and its presence on the world stage has increased. However, his authoritative rule has also been marked by strict censorship, human rights abuses, and aggression towards neighboring regions. While Xi has solidified his power within the party, recent challenges, such as widespread protests and a shaky economy, have tested his authority.

Conclusion

Xi Jinping's journey to power represents a unique path within the Chinese Communist Party. From his connection to Mao during the Long March to his strategic climb through the party ranks, Xi has emerged as the most powerful leader in China since Mao. His consolidation of power and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought have established him as a dominant figure within the party. While he faces challenges to his authority, it is clear that Xi Jinping will remain a force to be reckoned with in Chinese politics.

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