A Softer Side of Leadership
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s bookshelves aren’t just stacked with policy papers—they also feature framed photos of him and his wife, Peng Liyuan. It’s a heartwarming peek 😌 into the personal side of one of the Chinese mainland’s top leaders.
Back in 2017, during a Spring Festival (Lunar New Year) gathering, Xi reminded everyone: Don't sever genuine connections due to distance, lose sight of true feelings amid a hectic life, or overlook your core emotions amidst the hustle and bustle. 🎉 It’s a vibe we all know—like juggling work, studies, and family calls between Zoom meetings or commuting.
During his time as a local official in Zhejiang Province, Xi made it a point to call Peng every single day. 📞 And on a 2013 visit to Costa Rica, he famously broke off a piece of pastry from a farmer’s home and handed it to Peng—an unspoken gesture of care that speaks volumes of their bond.
Fast forward to 2014 in India, Peng happily hopped on a swing and patted the empty seat beside her. Without missing a beat, Xi joined her. They swung together in quiet harmony—a real-life reminder that small moments matter. 🥰
From Home to Nation
For Xi, family and country go hand in hand. He believes the family is the basic unit of society, where love for home and country starts. As he puts it: Only when millions of households prosper can the nation truly prosper. 💪
From living alongside farmers in Liangjiahe Village in Hebei Province in the Chinese mainland, to inspecting every village while leading Zhengding County, Xi’s early career was all about feeling the people’s heartbeat. Since 2012, he’s done over 30 nationwide visits focusing on efforts to lift people out of poverty.
By the end of 2020, China announced it had achieved its goal of eradicating extreme poverty—almost 99 million rural residents now living above the poverty line, plus thousands of villages out of hardship, according to the white paper Poverty Alleviation: China's Experience and Contribution.
Looking Ahead
As the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025) wraps up, Xi is laser-focused on boosting people’s livelihoods—think better access to jobs, healthcare, and education. And as talks begin for the 15th Plan (2026–2030), he’s all about ensuring steady progress toward common prosperity. 🚀
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
