In Xi Jinping’s speeches, government statements and headlines in the Chinese state media, you will encounter several repeated phrases that have become buzzwords under Xi’s leadership.
They reflect his ambitions for China on the global stage – as well as his own efforts to consolidate power domestically. Here are a few common phrases:
The Chinese dream: Xi began using this signature slogan just weeks after he came to power in 2012, which has since shaped much of his policies at home and abroad. It is often used interchangeably with “the great revival” or “rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” – illustrating a vision to restore China to its past glory as one of the greatest civilizations in the world.
To some extent, Xi has delivered on that promise, transforming China into a wealthy superpower with a modern military and advanced technology sector.
But Xi’s vision has also led to sweeping repression in Hong Kong, mass incarceration and surveillance in Xinjiang, intensified repression and censorship across the country — and growing public disillusionment as China’s economy faces mounting challenges.
Core of the party: Xi was formally dubbed “the core of the Chinese Communist Party” in 2016 – a highly symbolic title. It was originally awarded to the founder of Communist China, Mao Zedong, and two of his successors, Deng Xiaoping and Jiang Zemin.
It established Xi as a strong leader and rejected the system of collective leadership that Deng had helped establish. Since then, he has consolidated his power by purging political enemies, silencing internal dissidents, abolishing presidential term limits and incorporating “Xi Jinping Thought” into the party’s constitution.
He further codified his authority last year when the party passed a landmark resolution promising to “resolutely maintain Comrade Xi Jinping’s core position in the Central Committee and in the party as a whole”.
Enemy Forces: Since coming to power, Xi has stepped up efforts to bolster national security — including a campaign to stamp out foreign espionage and “enemy forces” that are supposedly trying to infiltrate and undermine the country in any way they can, a story proclaimed by Chinese officials and state media.
For years, authorities have encouraged the public to inform foreign spies and their Chinese associates through propaganda and incentives, even offering monetary rewards of up to $15,000 for tips on people endangering national security.
China’s growing distrust of foreign influences stems in part from its growing geopolitical rivalry with the West, especially the United States, as the country becomes more authoritarian at home.