In Xi Jinping’s speeches, government statements, and Chinese state media headlines, you will come across several repeated phrases that have become buzzwords under Xi’s leadership.
They reflect his ambitions for China on the world stage – as well as his own efforts to consolidate power at home. Here are some common phrases:
The Chinese Dream: Xi began using this signature slogan just weeks after he came to power in 2012, which has since shaped many of his policies at home and abroad. It is often used interchangeably with “the great revival” or “the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” – illustrating a vision to restore China to its former glory as one of the greatest civilizations in the world.
To some extent, Xi has delivered on that promise, transforming China into a wealthy great power with a modern cutting-edge military and technology sector.
But Xi’s vision has also seen a sweeping crackdown in Hong Kong, massive incarceration and surveillance in Xinjiang, intensified repression and censorship across the country – and growing public disillusionment as China’s economy faces setbacks. growing challenges.
Party Core: Xi was officially named “the core of the Chinese Communist Party” in 2016 – a highly symbolic title. It was originally granted to Communist China’s founder Mao Zedong and two of his successors, Deng Xiaoping and Jiang Zemin.
This established Xi as a strong leader, throwing off the collective leadership system that Deng had helped establish. He has since consolidated his power by eliminating political enemies, silencing internal dissent, abolishing presidential term limits and enshrining “Xi Jinping Thought” in the party constitution.
He further codified his authority last year when the party passed a landmark resolution pledging to “resolutely support Comrade Xi Jinping’s central position in the Central Committee and the Party as a whole”.
Hostile Forces: Since Xi took power, he has stepped up efforts to bolster national security — including a campaign to root out foreign espionage and “hostile forces” believed to be seeking to infiltrate and undermine the country in any way possible. a narrative pushed by Chinese officials and state media.
For years, authorities have encouraged the public to inform about foreign spies and their Chinese collaborators through propaganda and incitement, even offering cash rewards of up to $15,000 for tips on people who endanger national security.
China’s growing suspicion of foreign influences stems in part from its growing geopolitical rivalry with the West, particularly the United States, as the country grows more authoritarian at home.
