Who is Xi Jinping?

Answer: Xi Jinping was born on June 15, 1953, in Beijing, China, to prominent Communist officials. He was elected president of the People's Republic of China in 2013.

Since 2012, Xi has also served as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chairman of the Central Military Commission. He is married to Peng Liyuan and has a daughter named Xi Mingze.

Answer: Xi Jinping began his political career in the late 1970s, after the Cultural Revolution, holding various administrative and party positions in different provinces.

In 2007, he was appointed as the party secretary of Shanghai. Later that year, Xi was appointed to the Politburo Standing Committee, and in 2008, he became Vice President of China.

Answer: Xi has emphasized the "Chinese Dream," a vision for national rejuvenation and prosperity. His administration has focused on economic reform, technological advancement and strengthening the military.

In 2013, Xi introduced the Belt and Road Initiative, a global development strategy involving infrastructure projects and investments in countries across Asia, Europe and Africa. It aims to enhance trade routes and economic connectivity, expanding China's influence and fostering international partnerships. However, critics of the BRI say it is part of China's desire to achieve trade dominance and control in order to compete with the United States. Still, much about the project remains shrouded in secrecy. Some critics have even accused China of engaging in so-called debt-trap diplomacy, whereby countries unable to pay their debts must concede to China’s demands and participate in the initiative.

Answer: Xi has pursued a more assertive foreign policy, expanding China's influence through trade, diplomacy, and military presence. However, he has faced criticism over human rights issues such as the massive crackdown on China's muslim minority known as the Uyghurs and using aggressive tactics in territorial disputes including fears that China could invade Taiwan.