Who is this New Leader?

            ~ By Cynthia Dawn Roy

           

            The world is watching China as power is shifting from the hands of Hu Jintao and passing to Xi Jinping, China’s vice-president. This change of leadership in China only happens once every ten years, and China is very eager to prove to all its critics that it can make this change smoothly, though Xi’s Houdini act has already raised questions and reaffirmed doubts. Like most politics in China, this transition has been marked by secrecy and rumours.

            Questions continue to rise concerning Xi’s 15 day absence. On Wednesday September 19, Xi met with U.S. Defence Secretary Leon Panetta, his first meeting with a foreign official since returning to the public scene. Tung, vice-chairman of the Political Consultative Conference said officially that Xi hurt himself in sports, but he is now recovered and back to work. He also said that the health of a senior leader is not a public issue in China.

 

            Across China, Xi is known as the ‘Crown Prince,’ a nickname given to him because of his father’s involvement with the politics of China. Xi Jinping’s father was Xi Zhongxun, vice-premier under the leadership of Mao Zedong. After showing his support remembering a former comrade and party martyr, Xi was stripped of all leadership positions and sent to prison and rehabilitation.

(Right: Xi Zhongxun)

(Below: Xi Jinping is to the left, age 5. Beside him is his younger brother, Xi Yuanping and their father Xi Zhongxun)

            During this time, Xi Jinping was sent to work in the countryside, and when he ran away to Beijing he was captured and sent back. When he was finally able to return to Beijing he found favour with the Communist Party’s youth league. From 2002-2007, Xi was appointed the executive secretary of the Secretariat (a bureaucratic body that helps manage political work), the same position Hu Jintao once held.

            As leader of the Chinese Communist Party, Xi is expected to tackle income inequality in China and prepare for economic hardship. He’s also expected to build up a sense of security for the people. Chinese officials seem confident that Xi will be a capable leader. Xi will likely be holding this position for two five-year terms. Hu Jintao will still continue for another term with control over military as chairman of the military commission.