Book Review: Xi Jinping's Governance and the Future of China by Zhou Xinmin

In this book review I cover some of the points which I find interesting. As soon as Xi took office he showed a strong commitment to solve the fundamental problems of China. Zhou, the author of this book states that the unity of knowledge and practice is a cornerstone of the Marxist theory of knowledge- a basic principle and methodology of dialectical materialism.  He believes that Xi Jinping has put emphasis on practice, stressing theoretical innovation to guide practice, and develop a cycle of practice and knowledge (p. 91).

President Xi places special emphasis on people. Xi says that 'only the people can judge whether they are living a life of prosperity' (p.100). Further in the book the qualities of great leaders are mentioned. Zhou Xinmin says that great leaders are always able to make judgments based on unique thinking, and take resolute action to solve problems. They are also masters at spotting bad tendencies, summarizing lessons and discovering patterns, and addressing changing times and upcoming trends. For the, strategic thinking and the art of wisdom are equally important (p.111). 

Zhou often mentions Mao's leadership qualities. He also states that Mao lost six family members during the people's liberation and one son during the Korean War (p. 117). Zhou refers to Henry Kissinger's thought on Xin. Kissinger considers Xin a person who 'conveys a strong will and capabilities with his every move (p. 121). Zhou considers Xi a strategic leader who emphasizes driving domestic reform through opening up, actively engaging in global governance and the world economy, developing China by integrating with the world, gaining an objective and clear understanding of China's problems, paying equal attention to developed and less developed areas, to urban areas and rural areas, and to GDP and the quality of life, and ensuring prosperity for all Chinese The emphasis on research-based methods has enabled Xi to practice the art of governance with a focus on key problems (p. 124).

Xi learned five things from his father, which includes: first- self-cultivation, second- devotion to work, third- belief and commitment, fourth- patriotism and fifth- simple living (p. 149). Xi faced a lot of hardships in his childhood and because of that he developed a bond with people. His career is based on years of work experience at various positions which gave him a solid ground for practicing governance and prepared him for the future.

This book brings out the core areas of President Xi's governance philosophy. When I started reading this book I was very excited, but after reading some pages I realized that much of the content in the book was repeated. I think it seems more like a manifesto for propaganda purposes and does not qualify as a serious academic work. The book also does not provide a very deep understanding of the Chinese leader and his policies. It is a simple narration.