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Xi Jinping

Xi Jinping is a Chinese politician who has served as general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party and chairman of the Central Military Commission since 2012, and as president of the People’s Republic of China since 2013.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Xi Jinping is a Chinese politician who has served as general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party and chairman of the Central Military Commission since 2012, and as president of the People’s Republic of China since 2013. He is widely described as China’s paramount leader and one of the most powerful political figures in the country.

Early life and education

Xi Jinping was born in Beijing in 1953. Sources identify him as the son of Xi Zhongxun, a senior Communist revolutionary figure, and note that he studied at Tsinghua University.

Rise in the Chinese Communist Party

Xi rose through provincial and party positions before joining China’s top leadership. He became party general secretary in 2012, succeeding Hu Jintao.

State leadership

Xi became president of China in 2013 and has remained in office since then. His authority is commonly associated with his simultaneous control of the party, state, and military leadership posts.

Political influence and doctrine

Under Xi, the CCP elevated his ideological framework, known as Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era, into the party constitution in 2017.

Contemporary significance

Xi is widely described by major reference and news sources as China’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong. Coverage of his tenure often focuses on the concentration of authority under his rule and the 2018 removal of presidential term limits.

Key facts

  • Xi Jinping became general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party in 2012 and president of China in 2013.
  • He holds the top party, state, and military positions simultaneously, giving him broad authority.
  • The CCP wrote Xi Jinping Thought into its constitution in 2017.
  • In 2018, China removed the two-term limit on the presidency, allowing Xi to remain in office beyond the previous constraint.
  • Xi is widely described as China’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong.
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Canadian context

Xi Jinping is relevant to Canadian readers because Canada’s trade, security, human rights, and foreign-policy relations with China are strongly shaped by his leadership.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Xi Jinping?
Xi Jinping is a Chinese politician who has led the Chinese Communist Party since 2012 and served as president of China since 2013.
When was Xi Jinping born?
He was born on 15 June 1953 in Beijing, China.
What positions does Xi Jinping hold?
He is general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, chairman of the Central Military Commission, and president of the People’s Republic of China.
When did Xi Jinping become China’s leader?
He became the Communist Party’s general secretary in 2012 and president in 2013.
What is Xi Jinping Thought?
It is Xi’s political ideology, formally called Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era, which the CCP added to its constitution in 2017.
Why is Xi Jinping considered influential?
He combines the top party, state, and military posts, which gives him unusually broad political authority in China.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xi_Jinping
    Supports: Birth date; top leadership offices since 2012 and 2013; general biographical overview.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Xi-Jinping
    Supports: Birth place and date; offices held; brief biographical context.
  3. Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/article/world/profile-chinas-president-xi-jinping-idUSBRE9610GK/
    Supports: Succeeded Hu Jintao; party chief role where genuine authority resides; presidency timeline.
  4. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-11551399
    Supports: Party congress vote to write Xi Jinping Thought into the CCP constitution; 2018 removal of presidential term limits; overview of Xi's rise.
  5. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-64911512
    Supports: Historic third term as president; continued power consolidation.
  6. South China Morning Post — https://www.scmp.com/topics/xi-jinping
    Supports: Election as general secretary and chairman of CMC in 2012; presidency in 2013; term-limit removal in 2018; education note.