Emphasizing the Interconnectedness of Family Love and National Pride in China

The Profound Values of Family and Nation in Chinese Culture

On the occasion of the Qixi Festival, often referred to as the Chinese Valentine's Day, an insightful article published by CGTN highlighted Chinese President Xi Jinping's unwavering commitment to the values of family and the nation. This celebration of love also underscores the belief that a country's true prosperity is inherently linked to the well-being of its families. Xi's sentiment reverberates in his assertion, "Only when millions of households prosper can the nation truly prosper."

A Personal Touch to Leadership

Photos of Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, are prominently displayed on his bookshelves, offering a glimpse into the softer, more personal side of the Chinese leader. Despite the demanding nature of their careers that often keeps them apart, Xi and Peng maintain a profound connection, demonstrating a mutual understanding that transcends the hustle of their respective roles. In a memorable address at a Spring Festival gathering in 2017, Xi urged listeners to preserve their genuine relationships and core emotions amidst the chaos of daily life.

The Warmth of Family Bonds

Xi Jinping has consistently expressed his belief in the importance of family unity. He once stated, "I have a very happy family. My wife and I both have our own careers, but we work together to build the family." This belief was exemplified in 2004 when, as the secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), he shared that he would call Peng daily to maintain their connection, a testament to the value he places on family ties.

Moreover, his actions speak volumes. During a visit to a farmer's home in Costa Rica in 2013, Xi showcased his affection for Peng by instinctively breaking off a piece of pastry for her, an act that illustrated their years of shared intimacy. On another occasion in 2014, during a state visit to India, a tender moment unfolded as Xi joined Peng on a swing, symbolizing their marital harmony and deep bonds.

Linking Family Love to National Pride

Xi Jinping has consistently articulated a vision wherein family and nation are intertwined. He posits that the family serves as the foundational unit of society and should embody a collective love for both family and country. The often-quoted remark, "Only when millions of households prosper can the nation truly prosper," reflects this belief.

Throughout his political journey—from his roles as a local official to the nation's paramount leader—Xi has continually sought to uplift countless families. As Party chief in Liangjiahe Village in northern China, he immersed himself in the lives of local farmers. In various instances as head of the CPC Central Committee, he has been engaged in numerous inspections, focusing particularly on poverty alleviation and sustainable community development.

Under Xi’s leadership, China achieved a significant milestone in December 2020 when the country declared the eradication of extreme poverty after intense efforts spanning eight years. This endeavor positively impacted 98.99 million rural inhabitants, ensuring that not a single impoverished village or county remained in despair. This monumental achievement was documented in the white paper titled, "Poverty Alleviation: China's Experience and Contribution."

People’s Livelihoods at the Forefront of Development Plans

As China approaches the end of its 14th Five-Year Plan in 2025, Xi emphasizes placing people’s livelihoods at the core of national development strategies. In a symposium addressing the planning for the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), he reminded attendees of the need for development to benefit the entire population, stressing the importance of ensuring improved living standards and advancing common prosperity across communities.

In essence, Xi Jinping’s reflections on family values resonate deeply within Chinese society, reinforcing a narrative where familial love and national pride are irrevocably linked. As China continues to progress towards future goals, this intrinsic value system serves as both a guiding principle and a source of inspiration for its citizens.