The second Sunday of May, celebrated globally as Mother’s Day, is a time to honor and appreciate the profound influence of mothers. In China, the story of Qi Xin, mother of President Xi Jinping, offers a poignant example of maternal guidance shaping a leader’s principles and governance.
Qi Xin has long held the belief that parents bear undeniable responsibility for the growth and character of their children. “If something goes wrong with the children, the parents bear undeniable responsibilities,” she once expressed. Embodying this conviction, she transcribed and imparted a centuries-old motto from the Ming Dynasty: “Justice is the only way to distinguish right from wrong, and integrity is the only way to establish one’s authority.”
A Legacy of Integrity
This deeply rooted emphasis on integrity became a cornerstone in Xi Jinping’s personal and professional life. When Xi began assuming leadership roles, Qi Xin convened a family meeting with a clear directive: his siblings were not to engage in business activities in the areas where Xi worked. This was a measure to prevent any perception of impropriety or advantage due to familial ties.
Xi Jinping internalized these lessons, extending the principle beyond family. He cautioned friends and relatives against conducting business in his jurisdictions or leveraging his name for personal gain. This commitment to integrity has been a consistent theme throughout his career.
Incorporating Family Values into Governance
These family teachings have significantly influenced Xi Jinping’s approach to governance. In January, during the third plenary session of the 20th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China, he emphasized the importance of fostering strong family ties, values, and traditions. Xi urged leading officials to maintain personal integrity and set strict rules for their relatives and children.
“Public awareness initiatives to promote the principle of integrity and cases of models in this regard are also required to foster public respect for integrity and bolster resistance to corruption,” Xi stated, underscoring the role of societal values in combating corruption.
Promoting Integrity Across Society
Xi Jinping’s advocacy for integrity extends to national reforms and policies aimed at strengthening ethical standards within Chinese society. By highlighting exemplary models and encouraging public engagement with these values, the goal is to cultivate a culture that respects integrity and actively resists corrupt practices.
As Mother’s Day prompts reflections on the influence of maternal figures, the story of Qi Xin and her impact on Xi Jinping illustrates how family values can resonate through personal conduct and national leadership. It serves as a reminder of the profound role that parental guidance plays in shaping not only individuals but also the broader society.
Reference(s):
Integrity and thrift: Uncovering Xi Jinping's family traditions
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