The Political Thought of Xi Jinping

by Steve Tsang, Olivia Cheung

An authoritative examination of "Xi Jinping Thought"--now the official dogma of the Chinese Communist Party--that marshals Xi's personal words and writings to reveal his plan to make "the China Dream of national rejuvenation" a reality in the coming decades.

Over the course of the last half dozen years, China's supreme leader Xi Jinping has made extraordinary changes which have profound implications not only for the Chinese people but nations throughout the world. Given how swiftly and fundamentally China's relations with the rest of the world are changing under Xi's rule, it is imperative that we know what Xi Jinping Thought is, how it evolved, and why it is so important.

In The Political Thought of Xi Jinping , Steve Tsang and Olivia Cheung provide an authoritative overview of what "Xi Jinping Thought" is and is not and what it means for both China and the world. Xi, now effectively leader for life, has worked to ensure that "Xi Jinping Thought" becomes cemented as the new state ideology. Clearly inspired by the doctrine of "Mao Zedong Thought," which shaped the parameters of acceptable thinking for a quarter century, Xi wants his doctrine to define what he calls the "China Dream of national rejuvenation" and serve the pathway to its fulfilment by 2050. As Xi conceives it, the China Dream is about making China great again, or restoring China to the height of its power, influence, and international standing in the mythical era of grandeur in its long imperial history. Drawing from original research of Xi's speeches, writings, and policies, Tsang and Cheung conceptualize Xi's vision independently from interpretations provided by the Chinese Communist
Party or other sources. They further examine and explain how Xi seeks to transform this vision into reality.

An authoritative analysis of the leader-driven ideological revolution that is currently transforming China, this book will be essential reading for anyone interested in where China might be headed in coming years.

Genres: China, Politics, History, Nonfiction, International Relations, Philosophy, Political Science

296 pages, Hardcover

Published January 9, 2024

About the author

Steve Yui-Sang Tsang

Reviews

[Harald G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Attempt of critically systematising XJP's speeches and policy documents to explain the state ideology enforced upon the population of PRC. The ideology oddly named "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" is not coherent, full of contradictions and lies. This attempt on translating the obscure party speak into clear English offer any reader an overview of the dogmas used by the ruling class of China.

[Tamasine Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent insight into Xi Jinping’s political thought, aspirations for China and how he developed as a leader to bring China to its current state and where he envisions the Chinese end state. Taken from letters and comments translated by the authors directly. A good read for sure.

[Behrooz Parhami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the unabridged 11-hour audio version of this title (read by Rebecca Lam, HighBridge Audio, 2024).

Xi Jinping, China's President (in practice, its Supreme Leader), is the least-known of the leaders of the world's major powers. So, given that China has the world's second economy and, by some accounts, may overtake the US within a few years, this book is a timely addition to the genre of political biographies.

Xi Jinping has made significant changes to China's political system, its economy, and its relationships with the rest of the world. Xi's ruling philosophy and worldview is called "Xi Thought" in this book. Xi has cemented his Thought (what we in the West call doctrine) as the new state ideology. After having the party rescind the limit of two 5-year terms for the top leader, he began his third term in 2022, essentially making him leader for life.

Xi dreams of replacing the American-dominated world order with a Sino-centric order in which China has resumed its rightful place as the top country in terms of power, wealth, advancement, civilization, and benevolence. Any alternative vision or history is banned. Collective leadership at the top has been transformed into an echo chamber. Party members are required to study Xi Thought on a daily basis, using an app. Xi Thought is also fully integrated into China's education system.

Xi views his Thought, strongly influenced by Mao Zedong Thought, as "China Dream of National Rejuvenation," a "Make China Great Again" vision, to be realized by 2050. He sees no reason for China not being the world's leading power, given its glorious history and record of successes. In Xi's telling, a point of pride for China is that it has never invaded another country, a demonstrably-false claim.

Fighting corruption is one of the main tenets of Xi Thought. When he took over in 2012, corruption was rampant. Party leaders had lost ideological conviction, had their individual fiefdoms, and were pursuing their private interests. For China's problems, Xi blames both the West and the prior leaders' opening up policies.

The authors have used Xi's speeches, writings, and issued policies to conceptualize Xi's vision independently of narratives provided by the Chinese Communist Party or other official sources in China. For example, Xi deems loyalty to China, to the Communist Party, and to him as being one and the same. He has upended the communism principle of rule by a committee of equals to place himself on top of a hierarchy that is not allowed by communism.

Both the writing of the book and narration of the audio version are dry and uninspiring. Perhaps this dryness is inevitable for a book derived from speeches, writings, and policies, rather than from insider accounts and personal interviews. But the latter style would be quite impractical in the case of the Chinese leader.

[Robert Graff · Rating 5 out of 5]

thoughts on Xi Jinping

This book was highly organized and very easy to comprehend. I have formed a much better understanding of Xi Jinping and where he is taking China. Although I feel he has been thoughtful and successful in some areas such as improving China economically, I don’t feel his autocratic approach will succeed in the long run when more Chinese people will demand to be heard. Just as Mao thought didn’t outlast Mao, Xi thought will not outlast Xi.

[Eben Karriker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this forever ago and forgot to update it whoops. Great book with some interesting insight on the political rise and dominance of Xi Jinping with a focus on and break down of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The first two chapters felt redundant and unnecessary. Good read, curious to see how it continues to develop as time goes on.

[Melissa]

Five Books

[eeema · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very complex, detailed, and well-researched book! The authors provide vital insights related to the PRC, the CCP, and Xi Jinping himself.

[Chris Doherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and researched, terrible ideology.

[Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing is incredibly dry, which makes this an excruciating read. Pity.

[R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although its tone is somewhat dry and the academic writing style ponderous, the book provides a good insight into the main currents in Xi doctrine.

[AppoX7 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look at the political ideology of Xi Jinping and his outlook on China. Doesn't seem very deep however.

[Stephen Ratcliff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the best book on Xi Jinping's political thought that I've ever read!

[Eve]

Tough book to read. I cannot imagine how much pain the author had been through reading all those background info for this book! Though!

[Melle · Rating 4 out of 5]

very informative, a bit densely written analysis of Xi thought

[Marcel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Tsang/Cheung banger

[Benjamin Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, needs to be more widely read and understood.