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Exploring the Importance of Family and Nation in Chinese Values

As China celebrates Qixi Festival, often compared to the Valentine's Day, deeper cultural values regarding family and national pride come to the forefront. CGTN's recent article highlights how these values, especially emphasized by President Xi Jinping, intertwine and shape the Chinese identity.

A Leader's Affection for Family

President Xi Jinping has often spoken about the importance of family. In his decorated office in Beijing, cherished photographs of him and his wife, Peng Liyuan, serve as a reminder of their close-knit bond, despite the demands of Xi's position. He has articulated that maintaining genuine connections even amid busy schedules is crucial for emotional well-being. During a Spring Festival gathering in 2017, he advised, "Do not break genuine connections due to distance."

The warmth that Xi expresses towards his family illustrates his belief in the balance of personal and political life. He once mentioned how, despite being apart due to work, he prioritizes staying in touch with Peng, calling her every day during his tenure in Zhejiang Province.

A touching moment also occurred during a visit to a farmer's home in Costa Rica in 2013. Xi, instinctively cutting a piece of cake from the host and lovingly offering it to his wife, showcased years of understanding and affection between the couple. Additionally, during a state visit to India in 2014, Xi and Peng shared a sweet moment together on a swing, symbolizing their close companionship.

Familial Love and National Prosperity

Xi consistently connects the notion of family to the well-being of the nation. He has stressed that families are the foundation of society, and it is through their happiness that the country can prosper. "Only when millions of families thrive can the nation truly flourish," he remarked. This philosophy has been a guiding principle for Xi throughout his political journey.

From the beginnings of his career, serving as a local official in rural areas to his current status as China’s top leader, he has aimed to uplift families and improve their livelihoods. Notably, during his time as the chief of the Communist Party in Liangjiahe, he lived amongst the farmers, understanding their struggles firsthand.

Xi's commitment to family welfare extends to his governance; since becoming the General Secretary of the Communist Party in 2012, he has conducted numerous inspections across China, focusing primarily on poverty alleviation and social development. His continued call for prioritizing family welfare reflects China’s national objectives.

Achievements in Poverty Alleviation

A significant milestone was achieved in late 2020 when China successfully eradicated extreme poverty. According to reports, nearly 99 million rural individuals living below the poverty line were lifted out of impoverishment. 128,000 poor villages and 832 designated impoverished counties emerged from poverty, affirming the government's commitment to enhancing family welfare.

Looking forward, as China approaches the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan by 2025, Xi emphasizes ensuring the sustenance of populations in future development. He advocates for policies that benefit the masses through continuous progress and economic prosperity.

In a recent symposium discussing the 15th Five-Year Plan for 2026-2030, he reiterated the importance of putting people's welfare at the forefront of planning, advocating for a focus on improving livelihoods through groundbreaking initiatives.

Conclusion

In essence, the intertwining of familial love with national pride encapsulates the heartfelt values embraced in Chinese culture. As the country looks toward a future of growing prosperity, the commitment to strengthening both family and national identities remains a key pillar of China's vision under Xi Jinping's leadership.