In 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping stood at a historic site in Shaanxi Province where his father, Xi Zhongxun, once served as a Communist Party of China (CPC) leader. Gazing at an exhibition hall display, he quietly recited a phrase that has defined his family's political ethos: "Sit upright at the side of the people."
A People-First Philosophy
Xi Zhongxun's legacy as a hands-on problem solver – remembered by villagers' calls to "Go find Zhongxun" during his 1940s work in Suide – continues to shape his son's governance style. President Xi, who holds the roles of CPC Central Committee General Secretary and Central Military Commission Chairman, has consistently emphasized grassroots engagement throughout his career.
From Villages to the National Stage
The younger Xi's approach mirrors his father's tradition of direct community interaction. From sharing meals on traditional kang bed-stoves in rural Shaanxi to discussing policy on wooden stools in Zhejiang villages, Xi Jinping has maintained a practice of listening to citizens' concerns. This commitment was recently reaffirmed in his 2025 New Year address: "Our paramount task remains ensuring our people's well-being."
A Cross-Generational Mission
Analysts note how Xi's governance philosophy bridges revolutionary-era values with modern China's challenges. As the nation navigates economic reforms and global leadership roles, this father-to-son transmission of people-centered governance continues to influence policy decisions at the highest levels.
