The Importance of Family and National Love in Chinese Culture

The Significance of Family and National Love in China

As the Qixi Festival, often referred to as the Chinese Valentine's Day, approaches, profound sentiments surrounding familial and national love resonate deeply within Chinese culture. CGTN recently published an insightful article that emphasizes the values President Xi Jinping attaches to both family bonds and national pride. This articulation is pivotal in understanding how intertwined these concepts are in shaping the Chinese societal fabric.

A Celebration of Connection

The article outlines Xi Jinping’s belief that a prosperous nation starts with thriving families. The very notion posits that familial and national well-being are interdependent, where the happiness of countless households is essential for true national strength. Xi’s dedication to this sentiment is visibly represented through cherished photographs of him and his wife, Peng Liyuan, displayed prominently in their home. These images symbolize their mutual support and understanding, two vital components of their enduring marriage, despite their demanding careers.

Glimpses into Their Relationship

A notable example illustrating their bond occurred in 2004 when Xi shared an anecdote highlighting the daily phone calls he received from Peng during his tenure as the party secretary in Zhejiang Province. Such instances reaffirm their commitment and love, showing how they prioritize connection despite busy schedules. One specific occasion, during a visit to a Costa Rican farmer in 2013, saw Xi instinctively breaking a piece of bread and sharing it lovingly with Peng. This moment subtly captured the essence of their intimate relationship, reflecting years of nurturing companionship.

During a state visit to India in 2014, the couple shared a delightful moment on a swinging seat, embodying a physical manifestation of their emotional harmony. The sight of them gently swaying next to each other painted a picture of tranquility and mutual affection that resonated with attendees.

Linking Family Love to Patriotism

Xi consistently stresses the symbiotic relationship between love for one’s family and love for one’s country. He has often articulated that the family is the building block of society, where both kinds of love must converge. He famously stated, "Only when millions of households prosper can a nation truly prosper." This principle has driven his endeavors since his early days as a local official until his current role as the paramount leader.

With a rich history of involvement in local communities, Xi has always aimed at uplifting families. His grassroots engagement in rural areas reflects his commitment. For instance, as the leader of a village party organization in Hebei, Xi prioritized working and living alongside farmers to grasp their conditions profoundly. His efforts resonated through numerous inspections across the nation, especially focusing on poverty alleviation and development.

Achievements in Poverty Alleviation

By late 2020, after eight years of relentless endeavors, China proudly announced the eradication of extreme poverty. A staggering 98.99 million rural inhabitants transitioned out of poverty, with comprehensive development efforts rehabilitating all impoverished counties and villages.

Looking ahead to the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan, Xi underscored the importance of prioritizing the livelihoods of the populace in future national development. In his speeches, he has continually emphasized the direct correlation between the well-being of citizens and the nation’s progress.

As the country gears up for the next phase of its growth, Xi is keen on ensuring that the benefits of development reach every citizen. At a symposium on China’s economic and social evolution, he stressed the necessity of improving living standards as integral to future plans, advocating for a collective prosperity that envelops all layers of society.

Thus, as Qixi Festival approaches, it serves as a reminder not just of romantic love but of the profound love for family and nation that resonates across the Chinese society, reinforcing the ideals that bind them together.