Since the ascension of Xi Jinping to the General Secretary of China’s Communist Party in 2012, China has seen major changes in economic, political, and social spheres. From his bold economic reforms to widespread government restructuring, Xi has redefined the Chinese nation and put an end to China’s reform era.
The Era of Reform Under Xi Jinping
Before the ascension of Xi Jinping, a time of regional instability had weakened the Chinese economy and caused tension between the citizens and the communist party. But when Xi assumed control in the fall of 2012, the whole nation was electrified with his revolutionary reforms. As part of the Fifth Generation, a group of decision makers determined to push China’s economy and society forward, Xi has focused on transforming China by:
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Reforming the economy. Xi Jinping has implemented bold strategies to develop China’s economy, including pushing for foreign investment and improving infrastructure. As a result, China has become a major economic power in the world and lifted millions out of poverty.
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Reforming government. Xi Jinping has undertaken a massive restructuring of the Chinese government. His team has focused on eliminating wasteful spending and corruption that had long been problems in the Chinese government.
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Reforming the military. Under Xi’s leadership, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has undergone a massive overhaul, with greater emphasis on modernizing the armed forces and pushing for reforms in military organization and operations.
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Reforming education. The Chinese government is currently undertaking a major push to reform its education system. It is bolstering recruitment of qualified faculty and introducing new teaching methodologies that aim to prepare students better for the future world.
The Changes of the Last Decade
The last decade has seen Xi Jinping make sweeping changes in China. In particular, the following changes have been majorly significant:
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Introduction of new technologies. To increase domestic production and spur economic growth, the Chinese government has invested heavily in scientific and technological research. As a result, the country is now a major center for the development of new technologies ranging from artificial intelligence to robotics.
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Strengthening of international relations. Xi Jinping has put strong emphasis on strengthening China’s relationships with other countries, especially those in the Asia-Pacific region. As part of his efforts, he has visited numerous countries and sought to increase mutual trade and investment.
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Improved civic engagement. In response to growing public discontent, the government has responded by increasing media freedoms and attempting to reduce censorship. In addition, initiatives have been introduced to ensure public accountability and local elections have been made more transparent.
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Increasingly assertive stance on disputed territories. Under Xi Jinping, the Chinese government has become more assertive in defending its claims over disputed territories. In the South China Sea, the government has bolstered its presence by constructing military bases, expanding its air force, and initiating naval drills.
The Impact of Xi Jinping’s Influential Form of Leadership
Thanks to the bold reforms of Xi Jinping, China has undergone vast transformations over the last several years. Yet the changes have been especially significant due to the form of leadership that Xi has chosen to pursue. In particular, the following advantages have arisen:
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Centralized decision-making. Xi Jinping has centralized the Chinese government, allowing him to quickly implement reforms and make decisions without interference from competing forces. This has enabled him to push through numerous changes much faster than would have been possible if the Chinese government was mired in bureaucracy and infighting.
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Bold leadership. Xi Jinping has not been afraid to take risks or make bold decisions. Whereas previous Chinese leaders have been cautious in their approach, Xi’s willingness to do what it takes to get the job done has been beneficial in transforming the Chinese economy and society.
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Strategic campaigns and initiatives. Xi has been smart in his approach to leading China – from his anti-corruption campaigns to his reforms of the military, he has adopted a strategic approach to seeing his goals through and has achieved impressive results.
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More leverage over dissent and opposition. Xi’s centralized way of governing has made it easier for the Chinese government to silence dissent and opposition as it has become easier to crack down on dissidents and keep them under control due to the lack of competing forces.
The End of an Era
Thanks to the bold reforms of Xi Jinping, the Chinese nation has undergone vast changes over the last several years. From improving economic conditions to increasing civic engagement, Xi’s leadership has brought China a long way since 2012. Yet the reforms and changes of the last decade mark the end of a historical era that began with the opening and reform policies of Deng Xiaoping in the late 1970s and 1980s.
Though what lies ahead is still uncertain, one thing is certain – the end of an era has come with the ascension of Xi Jinping as the General Secretary of China’s Communist Party, and China is now ushering in a new era of growth and development.