The Governance of China

The Governance of China
Author	Xi Jinping
Country	China
Language	Chinese
Genre	Political theory, Speech
Publisher	Foreign Languages Press
Pub date	2014 (first volume)

The Governance of China. It is a multi-volume collection of speeches, essays, interviews, and correspondence attributed to Xi Jinping, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China. Published by the Foreign Languages Press, the work is presented as a comprehensive articulation of the political philosophy and policy direction for contemporary China. It is considered a foundational text for understanding the ideological and strategic framework of the Communist Party of China under Xi's leadership, often referenced in official discourse and political study.

Overview and Background

The first volume was published in 2014, following Xi Jinping's election as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China at the 18th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party. Subsequent volumes have been released, compiling materials from key party forums, diplomatic engagements, and domestic inspections. The compilation is overseen by institutions like the Party Literature Research Center and the Document Research Office of the CPC Central Committee. The publication timeline often aligns with major political events, such as the 19th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, serving to codify the evolving doctrine known as Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Translations are produced for an international audience, distributed through channels like the China International Publishing Group.

Core Principles and Ideology

The text systematically elaborates on the integration of Marxism with the specific conditions of contemporary China, forming what is termed Socialism with Chinese characteristics. Central tenets include the affirmation of the Communist Party of China's absolute leadership, emphasizing the "Two Upholds" as a core political principle. It stresses the importance of the Chinese Dream as a national rejuvenation goal and upholds a people-centered development philosophy. The ideology asserts the continuity from Mao Zedong Thought through Deng Xiaoping Theory and the Three Represents, positioning itself as the guiding thought for the new era. Concepts like the Four Comprehensives and the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan are presented as strategic frameworks for national development.

Key Policies and Initiatives

The work outlines a broad array of domestic and foreign policies. Economically, it champions the supply-side structural reform and the dual circulation strategy. Regarding governance, it calls for a comprehensive deepening of reforms and the rule of law, alongside the high-profile anti-corruption campaign targeting "both tigers and flies." In social policy, it addresses targeted poverty alleviation, ecological civilization, and the Made in China 2025 industrial policy. Significant national strategies discussed include the Belt and Road Initiative, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei integration, and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area. Military modernization under the Central Military Commission and the goal of a world-class military are also emphasized.

Institutional Framework

The governance model described is deeply embedded within the existing political structure of the People's Republic of China. It reinforces the role of the National People's Congress as the highest state organ and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference as a consultative body. Leadership is exercised through the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party and its Politburo Standing Committee, with directives implemented by the State Council. Key party institutions like the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the Organization Department of the Chinese Communist Party are highlighted as vital for maintaining discipline and personnel management. The text also references the role of the Xinhua News Agency and the People's Daily in disseminating its principles.

International Relations and Global Governance

A major focus is on articulating a distinct Chinese approach to global affairs, often summarized as building a community with a shared future for mankind. It promotes the Belt and Road Initiative as a cornerstone of international economic cooperation. The doctrine advocates for a reformed global governance system and upholds the United Nations-centric international order. It presents China as a defender of multilateralism and free trade, engaging with forums like the G20, the World Economic Forum in Davos, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Relations with major powers like the United States and Russia, and neighboring regions, are framed by principles of mutual respect and win-win cooperation, while firmly opposing what it labels as hegemonism.

Reception and Analysis

Within China, the collection is promoted as required reading for cadres and is incorporated into curricula at institutions like the Party School of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party. It receives extensive coverage in state media, including China Central Television and the Global Times. Internationally, analysts from think tanks like the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the Council on Foreign Relations study it as a primary source on Chinese leadership thinking. Some Western commentators and governments, including officials in the United States Department of State, have expressed concerns over its implications for global security and human rights. Academic conferences and publications worldwide frequently cite the text in discussions on contemporary Chinese politics and its impact on the international order.

Category:Political books Category:Works by Xi Jinping Category:21st-century Chinese literature