History of Xi Jinping in Timeline
Xi Jinping is the paramount leader of China, holding the positions of General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) since 2012, and President of China since 2013. He is a member of the fifth generation of Chinese leadership and the first CCP General Secretary born after the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC).
1929: 1929 Gutian Congress
Xi Jinping re-emphasized the principle of "the party has absolute control over the army" first established by Mao at the 1929 Gutian Congress.
1949: Father's Posts After PRC Founding
After the founding of the PRC in 1949, Xi Jinping's father held a series of posts.
1950: End of the Chinese Civil War in Mainland China
1952: Birth of Sister Qi An'an
In 1952, Xi Jinping's sister, Qi An'an, was born.
June 1953: Xi Jinping's Birth
In June 1953, Xi Jinping was born in Beijing, the third child of Xi Zhongxun and Qi Xin.
1954: Appointment of last Han Chinese head of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission
In 1954, the last Han Chinese head of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission was appointed before Chen Xiaojiang was appointed in 2020.
1963: Father Purged from CCP
In 1963, when Xi Jinping was ten years old, his father was purged from the CCP and sent to work in a factory in Luoyang, Henan.
May 1966: Cultural Revolution Halts Education
In May 1966, the Cultural Revolution cut short Xi Jinping's secondary education. Student militants ransacked the Xi family home, and one of Xi's sisters, Xi Heping, was persecuted to death.
1968: Father Imprisoned, Xi Applies to Leave for Countryside
In 1968, Xi Jinping's father was imprisoned when Xi was 15. Xi submitted an application to leave Beijing for the countryside.
January 13, 1969: Arrival in Liangjiahe Village
On January 13, 1969, Xi Jinping arrived in Liangjiahe Village, Yan'an, Shaanxi, as part of Mao Zedong's Down to the Countryside Movement.
1973: Assigned to Zhaojiahe Village
In 1973, Yanchuan County assigned Xi Jinping to Zhaojiahe Village in Jiajianping Commune to lead social education efforts before returning to Liangjiahe in July.
1974: Approved to Join the Chinese Communist Party
In early 1974, Xi Jinping's application to the Chinese Communist Party was approved after initial blockages due to his father's political persecution. Around that time, Xi was recommended to become the Party branch chairman of the Liangjiahe Brigade.
1975: Recommended for Tsinghua University
In 1975, the CCP Yanchuan County Committee recommended Xi Jinping for admission to Tsinghua University, and he traveled to Mianyang to learn about biogas digesters.
April 1979: Assigned to General Office of the State Council
After graduating in April 1979, Xi Jinping was assigned to the General Office of the State Council and the General Office of the CPC Central Military Commission, serving as a secretary to Geng Biao.
1979: Graduation from Tsinghua University
From 1975 to 1979, Xi Jinping studied chemical engineering at Tsinghua University as a worker-peasant-soldier student in Beijing.
March 25, 1982: Appointed Deputy Party Secretary of Zhengding County
On March 25, 1982, Xi Jinping was appointed deputy party secretary of Zhengding County in Hebei. Together with Lü Yulan, Xi addressed excessive requisitions that burdened local farmers.
1982: Religious Freedom in the Chinese Constitution
In 1982, religious freedom was written into the Chinese constitution.
July 1983: Initiated Development Projects in Zhengding
In July 1983, as the secretary of the CCP Zhengding County Committee, Xi Jinping initiated development projects, including "Nine Articles of Zhengding talents", Changshan Park, Longxing Temple restoration, a tourism company, Rongguo Mansion, and Zhengding Table Tennis Base. He also secured 3.5 million yuan to build Rongguo Mansion, significantly boosting the county's tourism industry.
1983: Agricultural Structure Adjustment in Zhengding
In 1983, Zhengding adjusted its agricultural structure, leading to an increase in farmers' incomes.
September 1984: Highlighted Strategic Vision
In September 1984, during a briefing session, Xi Jinping's strategic vision and comprehensive understanding of Zhengding County's development were highlighted.
1984: Farmers' Income Increased
In 1984, farmers' incomes in Zhengding increased significantly, thoroughly solving the county's economic issues.
June 1985: Arrived in Xiamen as Vice-Mayor
In June 1985, Xi Jinping arrived in Xiamen as vice-mayor and drafted the first strategic plan for the city, the Xiamen Economic and Social Development Strategy for 1985–2000.
1985: Study Tour on Corn Processing and Transferred to Xiamen
In 1985, Xi Jinping participated in a study tour on corn processing in Iowa, US, and was transferred to Xiamen as vice mayor.
1985: Tour as a Hebei Provincial Official
In 1985, Xi Jinping toured the United States as a Hebei provincial official and later revisited Iowa in February 2012 and met with the family that previously hosted him.
1987: Marriage to Peng Liyuan
In 1987, Xi Jinping married Peng Liyuan, a prominent Chinese folk singer.
September 1988: Appointed Secretary of Ningde
In September 1988, Xi Jinping was appointed secretary of Ningde.
1989: Tiananmen Square Protests and Massacre
Xi Jinping's visit to Guangdong in December 2012 was described as following in the footsteps of Deng Xiaoping's own southern trip in 1992, which provided the impetus for further economic reforms in China after conservative party leaders stalled many of Deng's reforms in the aftermath of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre.
May 1990: Assigned to Fuzhou City
In May 1990, the CCP Fujian Provincial Committee decided to assign Xi Jinping to Fuzhou City as the Municipal Committee Secretary.
1992: Deng Xiaoping's Southern Tour
In 1992, Deng Xiaoping's Southern Tour took place, serving as a benchmark for the significance of the "comprehensive deepening reforms" initiated under Xi Jinping.
1992: Interview with The Washington Post
In 1992, The Washington Post journalist Lena H. Sun interviewed Xi Jinping, who was then the CCP secretary of Fuzhou. He was described as at ease and confident.
1995: Elevated to Deputy Secretary of the Fujian Provincial Committee
In 1995, Xi Jinping was elevated to deputy secretary of the Fujian Provincial Committee of the Chinese Communist Party.
1997: Named Alternate Member of the CCP Central Committee
In 1997, Xi Jinping was named an alternate member of the 15th CCP Central Committee.
1999: Governor of Fujian
In 1999, Xi Jinping became the governor of Fujian province.
1999: Promoted to Vice Governor of Fujian
In 1999, Xi Jinping was promoted to the office of Vice Governor of Fujian.
2000: End Year for Development Strategy
In 1985, Xi Jinping drafted the development of the first strategic plan for Xiamen, the Xiamen Economic and Social Development Strategy for 1985–2000.
2002: Served as Governor of Fujian until 2002
From 1999 until 2002, Xi Jinping served as Governor of Fujian, during which he presented the notion of "Megalopolises".
2002: Governor and Party Secretary of Zhejiang
In 2002, Xi Jinping became governor and party secretary of Zhejiang.
2002: Took Political Positions in Zhejiang and Elected to the 16th Central Committee
In 2002, Xi Jinping left Fujian and took up leading political positions in neighbouring Zhejiang. In 2002, he was also elected a full member of the 16th Central Committee.
2002: 16th Party Congress
In 2002, the 16th Party Congress affirmed nine principles.
2002: Dissolution of the Central Financial Work Commission
The Central Financial Work Commission (CFWC) was previously dissolved in 2002, before being revived in 2023.
2004: Li Qiang became Xi's Chief of Staff
Between 2004 and 2007, Li Qiang acted as Xi Jinping's chief of staff through his position as secretary-general of the Zhejiang Party Committee, where they developed close mutual ties.
September 2006: Dismissal of Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Liangyu
In September 2006, Shanghai Party secretary Chen Liangyu was dismissed due to a social security fund scandal.
March 2007: Transferred to Shanghai as Party Secretary
In March 2007, Xi Jinping was transferred to Shanghai, where he was the party secretary for seven months.
October 2007: Joined Politburo Standing Committee
In October 2007, Xi Jinping joined the Politburo Standing Committee (PSC) of the CCP and became the first-ranking secretary of the Central Secretariat.
October 2007: Appointed to the PSC at the 17th Party Congress
In October 2007, Xi Jinping was appointed to the nine-man PSC at the 17th Party Congress.
2007: Li Qiang was Xi's Chief of Staff until 2007
Between 2004 and 2007, Li Qiang acted as Xi Jinping's chief of staff through his position as secretary-general of the Zhejiang Party Committee, where they developed close mutual ties.
March 2008: Elected Vice President of the PRC
In March 2008, at the 11th National People's Congress, Xi Jinping was elected as vice president of the PRC.
June 2008: First Foreign Trip as Vice President
From 17 to 25 June 2008, Xi Jinping made his first foreign trip as vice president to North Korea, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Yemen.
2008: Designated as Hu Jintao's Successor
In 2008, Xi Jinping was designated as Hu Jintao's presumed successor as paramount leader and was appointed the eighth vice president and vice chairman of the CMC.
December 2009: Visit to Asian Countries
From 14 to 22 December 2009, Xi Jinping visited Japan, South Korea, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
2009: Assigned to Committee Chair for PRC's 60th Anniversary Celebrations
In 2009, after the Olympics, Xi Jinping was assigned the post of committee chair for the preparations of the 60th Anniversary Celebrations of the founding of the PRC.
2010: Visit to Chongqing and Praise of Bo Xilai
In 2010, during Xi Jinping's visit to Chongqing, he praised Bo Xilai's policies.
2011: Profile in The Washington Post
In 2011, The Washington Post published an article describing Xi Jinping as pragmatic, serious, cautious, hard-working, down to earth and low-key.
2011: Outlined a vision for China to become a soccer superpower
In 2011, Xi Jinping outlined a three-stage vision to transform China from a footballing minnow into a soccer superpower. The plan included qualifying for the World Cup, hosting the World Cup, and ultimately winning the World Cup.
February 2012: Visit to the United States, Ireland and Turkey
In February 2012, Xi Jinping visited the United States, Ireland and Turkey, including a meeting with then U.S. president Barack Obama at the White House and vice president Joe Biden.
June 2012: Bloomberg News report on family business interests
In June 2012, Bloomberg News reported on the business interests of Xi Jinping's extended family.
September 2012: Disappearance from Official Media and Reappearance
Beginning on 1 September 2012, Xi Jinping disappeared from official media coverage and cancelled meetings with foreign officials for several weeks, causing rumors, before reappearing on 15 September.
November 2012: Brother-in-law had shell companies
By November 2012, Deng Jiagui, Xi Jinping's brother-in-law, had two shell companies in the British Virgin Islands, which became dormant by the time Xi became general secretary of the CCP.
November 2012: Elected General Secretary of the CCP and Chairman of the CMC
On 15 November 2012, Xi Jinping was elected to the posts of general secretary of the CCP and chairman of the CMC by the 18th Central Committee of the CCP.
December 2012: Visit to Guangdong and Call for Economic Reform
In December 2012, Xi Jinping visited Guangdong in his first trip outside Beijing since taking the Party leadership, calling for further economic reform and a strengthened military.
2012: Beginning of Offensive on Human Rights
According to Human Rights Watch, Xi Jinping "started a broad and sustained offensive on human rights" since he became leader in 2012.
2012: Increase of private sector firms market value
From 2012 to 2022, the share of the market value of private sector firms in China's top listed companies increased from 10% to over 40%.
2012: China's Economy
In 2012, China's economy was $8.5 trillion. When Xi took office in 2012, 54% of people in China were living on less than $6.85 per day.
2012: Appointed General Secretary of the CCP and Chairman of the CMC
In 2012, Xi Jinping became the general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), becoming the paramount leader of China.
2012: Showcased soccer technique in Ireland
In 2012, during a visit to Ireland as China's vice-president, Xi Jinping showcased his soccer technique at Croke Park.
2012: Overhaul of the People's Liberation Army
Since taking power in 2012, Xi Jinping has undertaken an overhaul of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), including political reform and modernization.
March 2013: Elected President of China
On 14 March 2013, Xi Jinping was elected president in a confirmation vote by the 12th National People's Congress in Beijing, replacing Hu Jintao. On 17 March, he met with the chief executive of Hong Kong, CY Leung. Within hours of his election, Xi discussed cyber security and North Korea with U.S. President Barack Obama over the phone.
November 2013: Third Plenum of the 18th Central Committee
In November 2013, at the conclusion of the Third Plenum of the 18th Central Committee, the Communist Party delivered a far-reaching reform agenda. Xi Jinping signaled consolidating control of the internal security organization and formed a new National Security Commission with himself at its helm.
2013: Creation of Central Leading Groups
Beginning in 2013, the CCP under Xi Jinping established a series of Central Leading Groups to streamline policy-making and bypass existing institutions.
2013: Launch of the Shanghai Free-Trade Zone
In 2013, Xi Jinping launched the Shanghai Free-Trade Zone, which was seen as part of the economic reforms.
2013: Rehabilitation of ancient Chinese philosophical figures
In 2013, Xi Jinping oversaw the rehabilitation of ancient Chinese philosophical figures like Han Fei into the mainstream of Chinese thought.
2013: Served as President of China
In 2013, Xi Jinping started serving as the seventh president of China.
2013: Terrorist Attacks in Xinjiang
In 2013, Xinjiang experienced several terrorist attacks, leading to the Strike Hard Campaign.
2013: Enactment of restrictive law and blogger censorship
In 2013, a law was enacted authorizing a three-year prison term for bloggers who shared content considered "defamatory" more than 500 times. The State Internet Information Department also summoned influential bloggers to a seminar, instructing them to avoid writing about politics, the CCP, or statements contradicting official narratives. This led to many bloggers ceasing to write about controversial topics and a decline in Weibo's popularity.
2013: Included among the list of press freedom predators by Reporters Without Borders
Since 2013, Reporters Without Borders included Xi Jinping among the list of press freedom predators.
February 2014: Creation of Central Leading Group for Cybersecurity and Informatization
In February 2014, the Central Leading Group for Cybersecurity and Informatization was established with Xi Jinping as its leader.
March 2014: Peng Liyuan hosts Michelle Obama in China
In March 2014, Peng Liyuan, Xi Jinping's wife, hosted U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama during her visit to China.
August 2014: NPCSC Decision on Hong Kong Chief Executive Election
In August 2014, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) decided to allow universal suffrage for the 2017 election of Hong Kong's chief executive, with requirements for candidates to "love the country, and love Hong Kong," leading to protests and the eventual rejection of the reform bill.
September 2014: Publication of "The Governance of China" Volume One
In September 2014, the Foreign Languages Press published the first volume of Xi Jinping's "The Governance of China" book series for an international audience.
October 2014: Speech at the Forum on Literature and Art
On October 15, 2014, Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the Forum on Literature and Art, emulating the Yan'an Forum and emphasizing political criteria for judging works of art.
2014: Poll results on Xi Jinping's domestic approval ratings
According to a 2014 poll co-sponsored by the Harvard Kennedy School's Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, Xi Jinping ranked 9 out of 10 in domestic approval ratings.
2014: Growth of the PLA Navy
Between 2014 and 2018, the PLA Navy saw rapid growth, with China adding more warships, submarines, support ships, and major amphibious vessels than the entire number of ships under the United Kingdom navy.
2014: Introduction of the holistic security concept
In 2014, Xi Jinping introduced the holistic security concept, encompassing all aspects of the party and the country's work.
2014: Integration of Hong Kong to Mainland China
In 2014, Xi Jinping supported a greater integration of Hong Kong into mainland China through projects like the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge and the Greater Bay Area project. A white paper by the State Council in 2014 outlined that the China's central government has "comprehensive jurisdiction" over Hong Kong.
2014: Launch of Strike Hard Campaign Against Violent Terrorism
In 2014, following terrorist attacks in Xinjiang in 2013 and 2014, Xi Jinping launched the Strike Hard Campaign Against Violent Terrorism, involving mass detention and surveillance of ethnic Uyghurs.
2014: Establishment of Central Leading Group for Military Reform
In 2014, the Central Leading Group for Military Reform was founded, with Xi Jinping overseeing comprehensive military reforms.
2014: Described himself as a "moderate tea drinker" and a "passionate beer lover"
In a speech in 2014, Xi Jinping described himself as a "moderate tea drinker" and a "passionate beer lover".
2014: Legal reforms announced at Fourth Plenum
In the fall of 2014, legal reforms were announced at the Fourth Plenum, calling for "Chinese socialistic rule of law" to reform the legal system.
July 2015: 709 Crackdown
On 9 July 2015, Xi Jinping presided over the 709 crackdown, which led to the detention of more than 200 lawyers, legal assistants, and human rights activists.
November 2015: Meeting with Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou
In November 2015, Xi Jinping met with Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou, marking the first meeting between leaders from both sides of the Taiwan Strait since 1950.
2015: Announcement of troop reduction in the PLA
In 2015, Xi Jinping announced a reduction of 300,000 troops from the PLA, bringing its size to 2 million troops as a gesture of peace and modernization.
2015: Approved China's 50-point plan for soccer
In 2015, Xi Jinping approved China's 50-point plan for soccer, which included incorporating soccer into the national school curriculum and establishing 50,000 soccer schools nationwide by 2025.
2015: Launch of battle against poverty
In 2015, Xi Jinping launched the battle against poverty, which concluded by 2021. He declared a "complete victory" over extreme poverty.
2015: Chinese stock market bubble burst
In 2015, the Chinese stock market bubble popped, leading Xi Jinping to use state forces to fix it.
2015: National security and counterterrorism law
In 2015, under Xi Jinping, China passed a national security and a counterterrorism law as part of its focus on national security.
2015: Daughter's graduation from Harvard University
In the spring of 2015, Xi Jinping's daughter, Xi Mingze, graduated from Harvard University.
January 2016: Two-child policy replaces one-child policy
In January 2016, China's two-child policy replaced the one-child policy, marking a shift in the nation's population control measures.
April 2016: End of "Xi Dada" reference
In April 2016, the practice of referring to Xi Jinping as "Xi Dada" (Uncle or Papa Xi) ceased.
April 2016: Xi named commander-in-chief of Joint Operations Command Center
On April 21, 2016, Xi Jinping was named commander-in-chief of the country's new Joint Operations Command Center of the PLA.
2016: Cybersecurity law and law restricting foreign NGOs
In 2016, China passed a cybersecurity law and a law restricting foreign NGOs under Xi Jinping's administration, focusing on national security.
2016: Received Title of Leadership Core
In 2016, Xi Jinping officially received the title of leadership core from the CCP.
2016: Reduction of theater commands in the PLA
In 2016, Xi Jinping reduced the number of theater commands of the PLA from seven to five, streamlining military structure.
September 2017: Decision to include "Xi Jinping Thought" in the Party Constitution
In September 2017, the CCP Central Committee decided that Xi Jinping's political philosophies would become part of the Party Constitution.
October 2017: Mention of "Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics"
In October 2017, Xi Jinping first mentioned the "Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" in his opening day speech at the 19th Party Congress.
November 2017: Publication of "The Governance of China" Volume Two
In November 2017, the Foreign Languages Press published the second volume of Xi Jinping's "The Governance of China" book series.
2017: Stalling of economic reforms
By 2017, experts said that Xi Jinping's promise of economic reforms had stalled.
2017: Carrie Lam's Election as Chief Executive
In 2017, Carrie Lam was elected as the chief executive of Hong Kong, reportedly with the endorsement of the CCP Politburo.
2017: Establishment of first overseas naval base in Djibouti
In 2017, China established the navy's first overseas base in Djibouti, expanding its global presence.
2017: National intelligence law
In 2017, China passed a national intelligence law under Xi Jinping, as part of the government's focus on national security.
2017: Named most powerful person in the world by The Economist
In 2017, The Economist named Xi Jinping the most powerful person in the world.
2017: Xi's Visit to Hong Kong
In 2017, Xi Jinping visited Hong Kong as president for the 20th anniversary of the handover.
2017: Announcement of Xiong'an new area
In 2017, Xiong'an, a new area near Beijing, was announced, planned to become a major metropolis.
2017: Establishment of Financial Stability and Development Committee
In 2017, the Financial Stability and Development Committee, a State Council body, was established to manage the financial system.
2017: Replacement of Jesus Pictures with Xi Jinping
In 2017, the local government of the Jiangxi province told Christians to replace their pictures of Jesus with Xi Jinping as part of a campaign on unofficial churches.
January 2018: Launched Campaign to Crack Down on Organized Crime and Eliminate Evil
In January 2018, Xi Jinping launched a three-year Special Campaign to Crack Down on Organized Crime and Eliminate Evil that lasted until 2020.
March 2018: Inclusion of "Xi Jinping Thought" in the state constitution
In March 2018, the National People's Congress changed the state constitution to include Xi Jinping Thought.
2018: Growth of the PLA Navy
Between 2014 and 2018, the PLA Navy saw rapid growth, with China adding more warships, submarines, support ships, and major amphibious vessels than the entire number of ships under the United Kingdom navy.
2018: Ranked most powerful person in the world by Forbes
In 2018, Forbes ranked Xi Jinping as the most powerful and influential person in the world, replacing Vladimir Putin.
2018: China Cyberspace Governance Conference and Media Visit
In 2018, Xi Jinping chaired the 2018 China Cyberspace Governance Conference and during a visit to Chinese state media, Xi stated that "party and government-owned media must hold the family name of the party".
2018: Creation of performance-review system
In 2018, Xi Jinping created a performance-review system to evaluate officials on various measures, including loyalty.
2018: Promise to continue reforms
In 2018, Xi Jinping promised to continue reforms but warned that nobody "can dictate to the Chinese people."
2018: Overhaul of CCP and state bodies
In 2018, Xi's administration implemented a significant overhaul of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and state bodies, restructuring various institutions.
2018: Ending of presidential term limits
In 2018, presidential two-term limits were ended, leading political observers to call Xi Jinping the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong. Xi departed from collective leadership practices, centralised power, and created working groups with himself at the head.
2018: Deepening the reform of Party and state institutions
In 2018, reforms to Party and state institutions were deepened, with several central leading groups being upgraded to commissions.
2018: Removal of Term Limits for Presidency
In 2018, term limits for the presidency were removed during Xi Jinping's tenure.
2018: Central Leading Group upgraded to a commission
In 2018, the Central Leading Group for Comprehensively Deepening Reforms, a policy coordination body led by Xi, was upgraded to a commission.
2018: Constitutional amendments passed
In 2018, the National People's Congress (NPC) passed constitutional amendments, including the removal of term limits for the president and vice president, and the creation of a National Supervisory Commission. Xi Jinping was reappointed as president without term limits.
2018: PAP placed under sole control of CMC
In 2018, the People's Armed Police (PAP) was placed under the sole control of the Central Military Commission (CMC).
2018: Revival of calls for self-reliance
Since the outbreak of the trade war in 2018, Xi Jinping has revived calls for "self-reliance," especially on technology.
January 2019: Xi's Call to Taiwan on Rejecting Independence
In January 2019, Xi Jinping called on Taiwan to reject formal independence from China, reserving the option of using force and rejecting any form of separatist activities. President Tsai responded by saying Taiwan would not accept a "one country, two systems" arrangement.
April 2019: Wikipedia Blocked in China
In April 2019, during Xi Jinping's administration, all versions of Wikipedia were blocked in China.
November 2019: Leaked Documents Show Xi Ordered Xinjiang Crackdown
In November 2019, internal Chinese government documents leaked to the press showed that Xi Jinping personally ordered a security crackdown in Xinjiang, advocating for "absolutely no mercy" and using "weapons of the people's democratic dictatorship."
December 2019: Xi's Warning Against Foreign Interference in Hong Kong and Macau
In December 2019, while visiting Macau for the 20th anniversary of its return to China, Xi Jinping warned against foreign forces interfering in Hong Kong and Macau, hinting that Macau could be a model for Hong Kong to follow.
December 2019: Xi named "People's Leader"
On December 25, 2019, the Politburo officially named Xi Jinping as "People's Leader" (人民领袖; rénmín lǐngxiù), a title previously only held by Mao Zedong.
2019: Scaling Back Affirmative Action
By 2019, the CCP scaled back affirmative action in the country toward ethnic minorities.
2019: Drop in Uyghur Birth Rate
By 2019, the Strike Hard Campaign included a birth suppression campaign that led to a large drop in the Uyghur birth rate.
2019: "Xuexi Qiangguo" app becomes popular
In 2019, "Xuexi Qiangguo", an app for teaching Xi Jinping Thought, became the most popular smartphone app in China.
January 2020: Presided over Zero-COVID Policy
From January 2020, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China, Xi Jinping initially presided over a zero-COVID policy.
January 2020: Xi's Initial Comments on COVID-19 Pandemic
On 20 January 2020, Xi Jinping commented for the first time on the emerging COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan and ordered "efforts to curb the spread" of the virus. On 28 January, he met with Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO).
July 2020: CCP Announced Campaign to Educate and Rectify Political and Legal Teams
In July 2020, after the special campaign exposed problems in the legal system, the CCP announced a campaign to educate and rectify the political and legal teams.
September 2020: Xi announces China's new climate target
In September 2020, Xi Jinping announced that China would strengthen its 2030 climate target, aiming to peak emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. Xi linked this decision to the COVID-19 pandemic and nature destruction.
October 2020: "The East is rising and the West is declining"
In October 2020, Xi Jinping stated that "the East is rising and the West is declining", citing the COVID-19 response as an example of the Western world's declining power.
2020: Detainment of 1.8 Million People in Internment Camps
By 2020, the Strike Hard Campaign included the detainment of 1.8 million people in internment camps, mostly Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities.
2020: Appointment of Chen Xiaojiang
In 2020, Chen Xiaojiang was appointed as head of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, the first Han Chinese head of the body since 1954.
2020: Halt to Ant Group's IPO
In 2020, The Wall Street Journal reported that Xi Jinping ordered a halt to Ant Group's initial public offering (IPO), in reaction to its founder Jack Ma criticizing government regulation in finance.
2020: Oversee Passage of National Security Law in Hong Kong
In 2020, Xi Jinping oversaw the passage of a national security law in Hong Kong, which clamped down on political opposition, especially pro-democracy activists.
2020: Support for Hong Kong Police Against Protesters
In 2020, Xi Jinping supported the Hong Kong government and police against protesters, defending the use of force and calling for punishment for those committing violent crimes.
2020: Formulation of "three red lines" policy
In 2020, Xi Jinping's government formulated the "three red lines" policy that aimed to deleverage the heavily indebted property sector.
2020: CCP leadership mandated for all elections
In 2020, all elections at all levels of the people's congress system and NPC were mandated to adhere to the leadership of the CCP.
2020: Record domestic spending on R&D
In 2020, domestic spending on R&D in China reached a record $564 billion.
2020: Statement on number of people living with less than 1000 yuan a month
In 2020, premier Li Keqiang, citing the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said that China still had 600 million people living with less than 1000 yuan ($140) a month.
2020: National Security Law Passed in Hong Kong
In 2020, the NPCSC passed a national security law in Hong Kong, which significantly restricted political opposition and established a central government office to oversee enforcement.
May 2021: Introduction of three-child policy
In May 2021, the two-child policy was replaced with a three-child policy in China, continuing the evolution of family planning regulations.
July 2021: Removal of family size limits and penalties
In July 2021, China removed all family size limits and penalties for exceeding them, further relaxing previous restrictions on family planning.
September 2021: Xi announces end to financing coal-fired power projects abroad
In September 2021, Xi Jinping announced that China would cease building coal-fired power projects abroad. This decision was considered potentially pivotal in reducing global emissions.
October 2021: Changes to Minority Education Rights
In October 2021, a wording was scrapped guaranteeing the rights of minority children to be educated in their native language, replaced with one emphasizing the national language.
November 2021: CCP adopts historical resolution
In November 2021, the CCP adopted a historical resolution, the third of its kind, evaluating the party's history. The CCP also promoted the terms Two Establishes and Two Upholds, calling for unity around Xi Jinping's core status within the party.
2021: Poll results on Xi Jinping's favourability in America.
A poll by Politico and Morning Consult in 2021 found that 5% of Americans have a favorable opinion of Xi Jinping, 38% unfavorable, 17% no opinion and 40%, a plurality, never hearing of him.
2021: Speech on the 100th anniversary of the CCP
During the 100th anniversary of the CCP in 2021, Xi Jinping emphasized the party's leadership and its role in China's national rejuvenation.
2021: Data security law
In 2021, China passed a data security law under Xi Jinping, as part of the government's focus on national security.
2021: China's nominal GDP per capita surpasses world average
In 2021, China's nominal GDP per capita surpassed the world average. In 2021, 17% of people in China were living on less than $6.85 per day.
2021: Crackdown Against Tech and Tutoring Sectors
In 2021, Xi Jinping directed a broad crackdown against the tech and tutoring sectors.
2021: Quoting Yan'an Talks at the National Congress
In 2021, Xi Jinping quoted the Yan'an Talks during the opening ceremony of the 11th National Congress of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the 10th National Congress of the Chinese Writers Association, reaffirming the importance of political criteria in art.
2021: Unveiling the Global Development Initiative (GDI)
In 2021, Xi Jinping unveiled the Global Development Initiative (GDI), aiming to increase China's influence in the international order.
2021: Beginning of the property sector crisis
Since 2021, China has faced a property sector crisis, with decreasing house prices, shrinking of the real estate sector and bankruptcies of many property developers.
2021: Promotion of "common prosperity"
Since 2021, Xi Jinping has promoted the term "common prosperity," defining it as an "essential requirement of socialism" and using it to justify crackdowns on the tech and tutoring industries.
June 2022: Appointment of Pan Yue
On June 24, 2022, Pan Yue, another Han Chinese, became the head of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, with him reportedly holding assimilationist policies toward ethnic minorities.
July 2022: Xi's Visit to Xinjiang
During a four-day visit to Xinjiang in July 2022, Xi Jinping urged local officials to always listen to the people's voices and to do more in preservation of ethnic minority culture. He also inspected the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.
July 2022: Xi and Leaders Taken Local COVID-19 Vaccines
On 23 July 2022, the National Health Commission reported that Xi Jinping and other top leaders have taken the local COVID-19 vaccines.
October 2022: Secured Third Term as CCP General Secretary
In October 2022, Xi Jinping secured a third term as CCP General Secretary.
October 2022: 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party
In October 2022, the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party resulted in amendments to the CCP constitution and the re-election of Xi Jinping as general secretary of the CCP and chairman of the CMC for a third term, strengthening his power.
November 2022: Protests Against China's COVID-19 Policies
In November 2022, protests broke out against China's COVID-19 policies, triggered by a fire in Ürümqi. Some protesters demanded the end of Xi's and the CCP's rule.
December 2022: Shift Towards COVID-19 Mitigation Strategy
In December 2022, Xi Jinping shifted from the zero-COVID policy towards a mitigation strategy.
December 2022: Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions
On 7 December 2022, China announced large-scale changes to its COVID-19 policy, including allowing quarantine at home for mild infections, reducing of PCR testing, and decreasing the power of local officials to implement lockdowns.
2022: Chinese IPOs taking place in Shanghai or Shenzhen
As of 2022, most Chinese IPOs are taking place either in Shanghai or Shenzhen, and funding is increasingly directed to IPOs of companies that works in sectors it deems as strategic.
2022: Increase of private sector firms market value
From 2012 to 2022, the share of the market value of private sector firms in China's top listed companies increased from 10% to over 40%.
2022: Unveiling the Global Security Initiative (GSI)
In 2022, Xi Jinping unveiled the Global Security Initiative (GSI), aiming to increase China's influence in the international order.
2022: Xi's Visit to Hong Kong and Swearing-in of John Lee
In 2022, Xi Jinping visited Hong Kong for the 25th anniversary of the handover and swore in John Lee as chief executive, who was backed by the Chinese government.
March 2023: Xi re-elected as PRC president
In March 2023, Xi Jinping was re-elected as the PRC president and chairman of the PRC Central Military Commission during the 14th National People's Congress, while Li Qiang succeeded Li Keqiang as the Premier.
March 2023: Re-elected State President for Third Term
In March 2023, Xi Jinping was re-elected state president for a third term.
August 2023: Xi's Speech on Tourism in Xinjiang
During a visit to Xinjiang in August 2023, Xi Jinping said in a speech that the region was "no longer a remote area" and should open up more for tourism to attract domestic and foreign visitors.
2023: Officials Prosecuted in Anti-Corruption Campaign
As of 2023, approximately 2.3 million government officials have been prosecuted as part of Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign.
2023: Growth of China's economy
By 2023, China's economy has grown to $17.8 trillion. Also, the growth slowed to 5.2% in 2023.
2023: Disestablishment of Financial Stability and Development Committee
During the 2023 Party and state reforms, the Financial Stability and Development Committee was disestablished by the newly established Central Financial Commission.
2023: Expressed uncertainty about the national soccer team's abilities
In 2023, Xi Jinping expressed uncertainty about the capabilities of the national soccer team.
2023: Put forward new productive forces
In 2023, Xi Jinping put forward new productive forces, this refers to a new form of productive forces derived from continuous sci-tech breakthroughs and innovation that drive strategic emerging and future industries in a more intelligent information era.
2023: Unveiling the Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI)
In 2023, Xi Jinping unveiled the Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI), aiming to increase China's influence in the international order.
2023: Further reforms to CCP and state bureaucracy
In 2023, further reforms were implemented to the CCP and state bureaucracy, including strengthening Party control over finance and technology.
2023: Estimate of China's nuclear arsenal
In 2023, the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) estimated China's total number of nuclear arsenals to be 410.
2024: Strengthening of CCP's role
In 2024, the CCP's role was further strengthened, with State Council regulations amended to include a clause about following CCP ideology and policies.
2025: Plan to set up 50,000 soccer schools in the country.
In 2015, Xi Jinping approved China's 50-point plan for soccer, which included establishing 50,000 soccer schools nationwide by 2025.
2025: Projected military budget
Under Xi Jinping, China's official military budget is projected to reach a record $246 billion in 2025.
2025: Target year for Made in China 2025 plan
Xi Jinping's administration promoted the Made in China 2025 plan that aimed to make China self-reliant in key technologies by 2025, although publicly China de-emphasised this plan due to the outbreak of a China–United States trade war.
2030: Projected growth of China's nuclear arsenal
The US Department of Defense estimates that China's nuclear arsenal could reach 1,000 by 2030, marking a significant expansion.
2035: Estimated end for relocation aspect of Xiong'an
The relocation aspect of the development of Xiong'an, a new area near Beijing, is estimated to last until 2035.
2049: Goal to lead the world
During the 20th CCP National Congress, Xi Jinping stated his goal to ensure China "leads the world in terms of composite national strength and international influence" by 2049.
2050: Target year to develop Xiong'an into a modern socialist city
It is planned that Xiong'an, a new area near Beijing, will be developed into a "modern socialist city" by 2050.
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