By S. M. Hali
The Xinhua Publishing House, the publishing arm of Xinhua News Agency, has released the first volume of China’s Governance Under Xi Jinping’s Leadership. Compiled by Xinhua reporters and editors, the book is available in both Chinese and English editions and is being distributed domestically and internationally.
It is a significant addition to the growing corpus of literature on contemporary Chinese politics, offering readers a curated account of Xi Jinping’s leadership and the ideological framework guiding China’s transformation in the new era.
The volume contains 26 feature stories and 41 photographs, all drawn from Xinhua’s coverage of Xi Jinping’s governance since the 18th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress in 2012.
The stories are not academic essays but journalistic narratives, presenting Xi’s policies, speeches, and initiatives in a vivid, accessible style. The photographs complement the text, portraying Xi in various settings—from international summits to grassroots inspections—underscoring his dual role as statesman and handson leader.
The book is organized thematically rather than chronologically. Each section highlights a facet of Xi’s leadership: poverty alleviation, anticorruption campaigns, ecological civilization, Belt and Road cooperation, and China’s role in global governance.
This arrangement allows readers to grasp the breadth of Xi’s agenda and the consistency of his vision across different domains.
Central to the book is the articulation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, which the CPC has enshrined as its guiding ideology.
The narratives illustrate how this thought translates into practice: building a “moderately prosperous society,” advancing Chinese modernization, and steering national rejuvenation.
The book positions Xi’s governance as both a continuation of China’s reform trajectory and a new stage marked by greater confidence in China’s model.
For instance, the chapters on poverty alleviation detail the unprecedented campaign that lifted nearly 100 million rural residents out of poverty by 2020.
The stories emphasize Xi’s personal involvement—his visits to remote villages, his insistence on targeted measures, and his framing of poverty eradication as essential to national rejuvenation. Similarly, the sections on anticorruption highlight the sweeping campaign that disciplined millions of officials, portraying it as a moral and political necessity to preserve the Party’s legitimacy.
As a product of Xinhua, the book reflects the perspective of China’s official media. The tone is laudatory, emphasizing Xi’s vision, courage, and achievements. Critics may argue that it lacks critical distance, but its purpose is not to provide detached academic analysis.
Rather, it seeks to document governance from the vantage point of those who have reported on it daily, offering a narrative that is both authoritative and accessible.
The style is journalistic yet polished, with anecdotes and quotations that humanize Xi’s leadership. For international readers, the English edition provides a window into how China presents its governance model to the world.
The Geneva launch of the English edition, accompanied by a seminar on global governance, underscores the book’s role in China’s effort to shape international discourse.
One of the book’s strengths is its visual dimension. The photographs are not mere illustrations; they are integral to the narrative. They depict Xi in moments of decision, dialogue, and inspection, reinforcing the image of a leader deeply engaged with both domestic and global affairs. For readers unfamiliar with China’s political culture, these images convey the symbolism of leadership in the Chinese context.
Another strength is the thematic breadth. By covering diverse areas—economic reform, environmental protection, foreign policy—the book demonstrates the holistic nature of Xi’s governance.
It shows how different initiatives are interconnected under the overarching goal of national rejuvenation. This breadth makes the volume a useful primer for students, diplomats, and journalists seeking to understand the contours of China’s governance philosophy.
The release of the English edition highlights the book’s global significance. By presenting Xi’s governance philosophy to international audiences, China seeks to contribute to discussions on global governance.
The Geneva seminar, where guests commended China’s exploration in this realm, reflects the book’s role as a diplomatic instrument. It positions China not only as a participant but as a thought leader in global governance debates.
For scholars of international relations, the book offers insight into how China frames its governance model as relevant beyond its borders. It emphasizes principles such as mutual respect, winwin cooperation, and reform of global institutions, aligning domestic governance with international aspirations.
China’s Governance Under Xi Jinping’s Leadership is both a documentary and a manifesto. It documents Xi’s leadership through stories and images, while manifesting the CPC’s confidence in its governance model. As a book review, one must acknowledge its dual nature: it is not a critical analysis but an official narrative. Yet, precisely because it is official, it is invaluable for understanding how China sees itself and wishes to be seen.
For readers in China, the book reinforces national pride and confidence in the Party’s leadership. For international readers, it provides a lens into China’s selfpresentation, which is essential for interpreting its policies and diplomacy. While it should be read alongside independent analyses, it remains a significant contribution to the literature on contemporary China.
In sum, the first volume of China’s Governance Under Xi Jinping’s Leadership is a carefully crafted work that captures the essence of Xi’s governance philosophy and its practical manifestations. It is a book that informs, persuades, and symbolizes China’s journey in the new era.
