Copy Reference The third volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China was published by the Chinese government through the Beijing-based Foreign Languages Press in June 2020. This volume, in both Chinese and English versions, enables many from around the world to understand and apprehend the noble ideas of President Xi on the governance of China. This is a continuation of speeches and reports made by President Xi following the first and second volumes of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, published in 2014 and 2017, respectively. The three volumes are essential reading for anyone interested in the domestic and foreign affairs of China. Specific topics include politics, economics, diplomacy, anti-corruption efforts, and cultural construction.
This book contains President Xi’s remarks from October 18, 2017, which marked the beginning of President Xi’s second term as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), to January 13, 2020. It provides an overview of Xi’s expectations after reviewing his first-term policies, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, alongside his future plans. Furthermore, it reviews steps to complete the fast-approaching first “centenary goal” as well as medium-term policy to reach both of the two “centenary goals”—building a moderately prosperous society by 2020 and a great, modern, socialist country by 2050 (this plan may be affected by the pandemic crisis).
The book starts by setting the Xi’s expectations on building China into the next economic superpower through his report to the 19th CPC National Congress on October 18, 2017, titled “Secure a Decisive Victory in Building a Moderately Prosperous Society in All Respects and Strive for the Great Success of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.” President Xi’s report clearly outlined the achievements of the previous five years in terms of economic development, reform of China’s institutional and governance systems, improvement of living standards nationwide, development of technology and an eco-friendly environment, and the modernization of the national defense and armed forces. In the report, he continued to emphasize the Party’s supervision system to prevent corruption and promote reforms in the fields of politics, economics, culture, education, diplomacy, environmental protection, land integrity, and national defense, smoothly transitioning work to the second term.
He also clarified his thoughts on Chinese Socialism and its role in the new era, which is vital given the dynamic changes in politics, economics, and society. He stressed the important role of democracy in the new era of socialism. This includes protecting and promoting human rights instead of controlling the people. The balance between socialism and democracy must be achieved in politics and economics in a way that makes the country more sustainable. The book provides a glimpse at future expectations of the role of China and its influence in building a community of shared prosperity.
Continuous improvement and reform remains high on China’s agenda. Since the first volume, anti-corruption campaign, which received considerable attention from China’s top leaders, has been covered heavily. President Xi reiterates in the book that the Party’s supervision system will be further improved to prevent corruption. This is where strength in governance is important. Xi’s attitude on carrying out the anti-corruption campaign has been resolute. In the second five-year term, he is still sternly admonishing his subordinates. The anti-corruption movement washed over various government agencies and units, and the promotion of young, highly educated, and professional officials will undoubtedly add to the rejuvenation of the government.
In President Xi’s speech at the second meeting of the Third Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee, he highlighted the need for continuous governance reform. He stated that Party leadership must be comprehensive, systematic, and holistic, and that it must be followed in all respects—fostering economic, political, cultural, social and eco-environmental progress, building national defense and armed forces, promoting national reunification, engaging in foreign affairs and strengthening the Party. He describes well-rounded reform that drives the prosperity of the nation and society’s well-being. In this context, we could expect that the future policies of China will seek to foster better nations if Xi’s noble ambitions are any indication.
This book also reiterates President Xi’s opinion that the power of the government lies with the people. This is distinctly emphasized in his speeches “Always Put the People First” and “Never Fail the People,” delivered on March 20, 2018 and March 22, 2019, respectively. In this vein, Xi recognizes the need for total poverty elimination rather than just reduction. By eliminating poverty, the nation can become a stronger country and seize prosperity in society that leads to economic growth and development. This is also a crucial factor in China’s growth into an “economic superpower.” So, the later chapters of this volume are a compilation of President Xi’s statements on strengthening the Chinese identity and the role of media in Chinese culture. It also explicitly covers factors in the people’s wellbeing such as educational development, happiness, and security. The book suggests that China’s policies are well-established and will be continuously improved to adapt to dynamic changes in world conditions.
The “new relationship between major powers” is an indispensable piece of the “Chinese Dream.” In 2012, President Xi Jinping extensively expounded to then-U.S. President Barack Obama on how the ambitions of two great powers can build a prosperous world. However, Donald Trump, who succeeded him, used a trade war to prevent the rise of China, which makes this book even more useful. Multiple chapters offer evidence of how China changed its strategy in response to changes in the times and responded calmly. The Chinese side has continued to fight U.S. oppression while at the same time working hard to maintain friendly relations with other countries in international trade. China has also increased its responsibilities in terms of promoting world peace. China is becoming more charismatic as a global political and economic superpower.
Yet such great power does not come without consideration of national security issues. President Xi highlighted risks and areas for alertness as challenges China must face as a new economic power. Moreover, he talks about how becoming a major international trader is not only about expanding power but creating shared prosperity through high-quality development. Topics include economic modernization, making China a global center for science and innovation, promoting rural vitalization, and coordinated development across regions. Such factors are especially important given the pandemic crisis that has brought a “new normal” for global business operations. One way through is creating a competitive advantage through economic specialization and avoiding redundancy of resources. On this issue, Xi demonstrates abilities to foresee crises and sustain economic development in both short and long terms.
The third volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China presents President Xi’s ideas of governing the country in a frank and open way. Much needs to be done given the rise of the pandemic crisis. We are expecting China to contribute its resources to the world to help overcome the pandemic crisis as part of its vision of a “Community of Shared Future for Mankind.”
Chinese and English versions of the third volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China in hardback and paperback. (LI HE)
About the authors Dr Chan Sok Gee is an associate professor at the Institute of China Studies, University of Malaya. Dr Fan Pik Shy is a senior lecturer at the Institute of China Studies, University of Malaya.