The Significance of Family and National Belonging in Chinese Culture

The Qixi Festival, often referred to as the Chinese version of Valentine's Day, offers a unique perspective into the values that underpin Chinese culture. A recent article by CGTN highlights how deeply revered President Xi Jinping holds the concepts of family and national unity, emphasizing that a country's prosperity is intrinsically linked to the welfare of its individual households.

At the heart of Xi Jinping's personal life are touching moments that reflect his affection not just for his family but for his homeland as well. The photographs of him with his wife, Peng Liyuan, prominently displayed on his shelves, convey a softer side of China’s resolute leader. Despite their busy schedules, which kept them apart, the couple maintained a profound understanding and affection for each other. In a speech during the 2017 Spring Festival, Xi poignantly urged citizens to cherish authentic connections, not to lose sight of genuine feelings amidst fast-paced lives, and not to overlook significant emotions in the chaos of daily life.

The Warmth of Family

Xi has often shared insights about his fulfilling family life, declaring, "I have a very happy family. My wife and I both have careers, yet we collaborate closely to nurture our family." His dedication to staying connected with Peng even dates back to when he served as the Party Secretary in Zhejiang province, where he would make daily phone calls to her when work kept them apart.

A tender moment from a 2013 trip to Costa Rica illustrates this bond vividly. After receiving baked goods from a local farmer, he instinctively shared a piece with Peng, showcasing years of intimate companionship through a simple act of kindness. Similarly, during a 2014 state visit to India, Xi's spontaneous response to Peng's playful invitation to join her on a swing illustrated their close connection, resonating with a multitude of hearts witnessing their undeniable affection.

The Interplay of Family Love and National Affection

Xi Jinping draws a compelling parallel between family values and love for one’s country, asserting that families represent the fundamental unit of society where national patriotism should flourish. He has been quoted saying, "Only when millions of households thrive can the nation truly prosper."

From his early career in local governance to his current leadership role, Xi has consistently sought to uplift families. During his tenure as the Party chief in Lianjiaohe village in Hebei province, he lived and worked alongside farmers, demonstrating a commitment to understanding and improving their livelihoods. His focus on rural well-being continued as he visited numerous villages in Zhengding to assess living conditions.

Since his ascension to General Secretary of the Communist Party in October 2012, Xi has carried out at least 30 nationwide inspections, heavily focusing on poverty alleviation and regional development. Remarkably, China achieved the historic milestone of eradicating extreme poverty by the end of 2020, lifting nearly 99 million rural residents out of poverty and transforming thousands of impoverished villages.

As we approach the conclusion of the 14th five-year plan (2021-2025), Xi reiterates that the future of China’s development must prioritize the economic circumstances of its people. During a symposium highlighting economic and social progress for the 15th five-year plan (2026-2030), he emphasized the necessity of supporting citizens while crafting plans for enhanced living conditions through consistent development and unwavering progress toward communal prosperity.

In essence, the values tied to family and nationhood in China are more than cultural components; they are integral to the governing philosophy that shapes the country's trajectory. Xi Jinping embodies a leader whose life and policy approaches reflect a profound commitment to nurturing both familial and national bonds, forging a path towards holistic prosperity for all.