#None #Xi Jinping #Chinese culture #Qixi Festival

The Significance of Family and Nation in China

As the Qixi Festival approaches, often celebrated as the Chinese Valentine's Day, cultural narratives in China are filled with expressions of love and familial bonds. A recent article by CGTN underlined the profound connection between familial love and national pride through the values espoused by President Xi Jinping. The piece reveals how Xi's reflections illuminate the sentiment that the prosperity of families directly correlates with the prosperity of the nation.

On President Xi Jinping's bookshelf, one can find personal photographs alongside his wife, Peng Liyuan, symbolizing the more personal, intimate side of the Chinese leader. Despite their demanding careers that frequently keep them apart, a mutual understanding and care have endured. During a Spring Festival celebration in 2017, Xi articulated the importance of maintaining genuine connections amidst life's chaos, emphasizing the necessity of preserving core emotions and bonds that define family life.

The Value of Family

Xi Jinping often reflects on the joys of family life. In his own words: "I have a very happy family. My wife and I both have our own careers, but we work together to build the family." This sentiment resonates deeply in Chinese culture, which places high regard on family unity and mutual support. During his tenure as the secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, Xi would make it a point to call Peng every single day, illustrating a commitment to emotional closeness despite physical distance.

An anecdote from a visit to Costa Rica showcases Xi's character: while visiting a farmer's home, he instinctively broke off a piece of pastry intended for his wife, a simple yet profound act of affection that spoke volumes about their relationship. Such moments characterize the essence of family connection in Xi's personal narrative, revealing a leader who embodies family values as an integral part of leadership.

In another instance during his state trip to India in 2014, Peng invited him to join her on a swing, a moment filled with warmth and companionship. Their actions reflect the kind of recognition and validation that underscores love in relationships, reaffirming that beyond political duties, there exists a profound personal affection.

Love for Country Intertwined with Familial Bonds

Xi's perspectives constantly emphasize the intertwined relationship between familial love and love of country. He has repeatedly pointed out that the family unit is what ultimately binds society together, stating, "Only when millions of households prosper can the nation truly prosper." This vision has shaped his policies and leadership style throughout his career.

From his early days as a local leader to his current position as the country’s paramount leader, Xi's mission has always aimed at enhancing the living conditions of families throughout China. As Party chief of Liangjiahe Village, he worked alongside local farmers to assess and improve their quality of life. These grassroots efforts have been a hallmark of his approach to governance.

Since taking on the role of general secretary of the CPC Central Committee in 2012, Xi has conducted numerous inspections nationwide, with a substantial focus on poverty alleviation and development initiatives. By the end of 2020, China achieved a remarkable milestone by eradicating extreme poverty, showcasing a commitment to uplifting families out of impoverished conditions.

This endeavor aligns with Xi's broader vision for China's future, exemplified in the ongoing 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), where he reiterated the commitment to prioritizing people's livelihoods. In April, during a symposium addressing the country's economic and social development strategy for the next Five-Year Plan, Xi emphasized the necessity of ensuring that policies are rooted in benefiting the populace and enhancing living standards.

Conclusion

At the heart of President Xi Jinping’s values lies a deep recognition that strong national prosperity stems from strong familial bonds. As the Qixi Festival approaches, the reflections on familial love serve as a reminder of the intertwined destinies of individuals and their nation. Xi’s ideals not only elevate family life but also advocate for a collective effort toward national advancement, sketching out a hopeful vision for the nation's future where every household thrives, leading to a prosperous society.