#China #Xi Jinping #Beijing #Chinese culture #Qixi Festival

The Importance of Family and Nation in Chinese Culture

The Qixi Festival, often referred to as Chinese Valentine's Day, is not only a celebration of romance but also a profound reflection of the deep-rooted family values and sense of national pride in China. Recently, CGTN published an article that highlights these core values, particularly emphasizing the thoughts and beliefs of President Xi Jinping. Xi has consistently articulated that the flourishing of millions of households is instrumental for the prosperity of the entire nation.

Family as a Foundation

In Xi Jinping's vision, family is a fundamental social unit that establishes the basis for a strong nation. His personal life and experiences showcase this belief. Displaying photos of himself with his wife, Peng Liyuan, conveys a softer side of the Chinese leader, reflecting commitment and understanding even amid their demanding careers. He often reminds people of the importance of nurturing close relationships despite daily distractions. During the Spring Festival Celebration in 2017, he advised not to lose sight of genuine feelings due to life's hectic pace.

Xi has mentioned, "I have a very happy family. My wife and I have our own careers, but together we also build a family reputation." This sentiment illustrates the delicate balance between personal and public life, exemplified by his daily calls to his wife when they are apart. Their close relationship is marked by simple yet meaningful gestures, such as sharing food during public functions, highlighting their genuine affection.

Connecting Family Love to National Pride

Xi's discourse eloquently bridges the love for family with the love for country. He asserts that a thriving nation is a reflection of its households' prosperity, stating, "Only when millions of families flourish can the nation thrive." His approach reflects a commitment to bettering the lives of countless families, demonstrated through extensive local visits and by addressing poverty reduction initiatives. He has been actively involved since his early career as a local official, where he lived and worked among farmers, ensuring he understood their challenges personally.

Throughout his tenure as the General Secretary of the Communist Party since October 2012, Xi has prioritized the drive to alleviate poverty across China. His visitations serve not as mere symbolic gestures but as a way to connect directly with the citizens and understand their needs. By the end of 2020, his policies contributed to the eradication of extreme poverty, freeing 98.99 million rural residents from impoverished conditions and optimizing living standards across 128,000 impoverished villages. This success represents a culmination of efforts focused on improving quality of life through sustainable development.

The Future Vision

Looking ahead, Xi Jinping highlights the significance of enhancing people's living conditions as part of the 14th Five-Year Plan, aimed at improving living standards through developmental initiatives. In a recent symposium on the economic and social development of China during the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, he emphasized that people's welfare should be at the heart of any policy formulation.

By intertwining family values with a strong sense of duty towards the nation, Xi Jinping illustrates a vision of a society where personal and national pride coexist harmoniously, shaping the future of China. The Qixi Festival serves as a poignant reminder of these values, where Chinese citizens honor relationships with loved ones while embracing a sense of shared identity and responsibility towards their homeland.