Xi Jinping: The Privileged Prince Who Lost Every Opportunity Before Becoming China’s Most Powerful Leader
Chinese President Xi Jinping is preparing for his first official state visit to the United States in 11 years. However, his first meeting with America took place long before he became China’s most powerful leader. Nearly four decades ago, Xi served as a county official in northern China. During that time, he traveled to the American Midwest to gather information on agricultural conditions. In Iowa, he spent several days learning about farming and stayed with a local family outside the urban area. Chinese state media have highlighted his homestay and friendship with Iowa’s then-Governor Terry Branstad, who later served as the U.S. Ambassador to China under the Trump administration. This personal connection is often linked to the broader US-China relationship.
Today, relations with the United States are very different, shaped by global influence competition, targeted import tariffs, technology restrictions, and military rivalry. At 37 years old, Xi was then a relatively ordinary official; now he stands as China’s paramount leader. In 14 years of leadership, he has transformed both the Communist Party and China’s international position. Xi’s story begins in a privileged environment. Born in Beijing in 1953, he is the sixth child of Xi Zhongxun, a communist revolutionary instrumental in founding the People’s Republic of China. His father rose to senior party leadership and served as Vice Premier.
Xi spent his childhood attending prestigious schools, enjoying special privileges unavailable to most. However, his family later became a target of political persecution. During the 1960s, his father was accused of anti-party activities, exiled, forced to work in a factory, and ultimately expelled from the party. As a so-called “child of an enemy of the party,” Xi was forcibly sent to a re-education center. Following Chairman Mao’s instructions, he spent 15 years living among peasants in rural areas.
He lived for seven years in the remote village of Liangjiahe in China’s western Shanxi province, engaging in farming, carrying manure, and digging trenches. In a 2004 interview, he recalled, “Everyone on the train was wiping tears except me; if I didn’t know better, I would have been crying too.” At age 22, he left the countryside to study chemical engineering at the prestigious Qinghua University. After graduation, he worked as a local official in Fujian and Zhejiang, provinces north of Beijing.
During the 1980s, these provinces experienced rapid economic growth. Due to his father’s status, Xi found it easier to establish his position in the central government and the military, and to build party connections. After serving briefly as Shanghai’s top official in 2007, he joined the Politburo Standing Committee, China’s top policy-making body. Within five years, he succeeded Hu Jintao as the Communist Party’s supreme leader. Xi has transformed China’s economic and political systems in ways few anticipated.
Over his 14-year tenure, China has gained confidence and prosperity. Internationally, he has advanced ambitious projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthening China’s global presence. He also introduced the concept of the Global South. Meanwhile, relations with major democracies have become contentious. Tensions with the U.S. have increased over the South China Sea and Taiwan.
Domestically, Xi maintains extensive control and enjoys strong political authority. He has implemented strict security and stability measures in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong. Supporters praise these actions as restoring order, while critics argue they severely restrict civil liberties. Xi has introduced a new ideological framework: “Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era – Xi Jinping Thought.”
He removed presidential term limits from the constitution, allowing himself to stay in office beyond the traditional two terms. Chinese state media portray him as a serious and influential figure, though he occasionally shows a lighter, more playful side, including discussing his passion for football. Xi is considered very close to Russian President Vladimir Putin; since taking power, they have met over 40 times, and Xi has called Putin his “closest and most trusted confidant.”
Despite his personal influence and decisive leadership style, Xi prioritizes national interests over personal relationships. This time, he arrives in Washington D.C. as one of the defining political personalities of the 21st century.
