What is ‘Xi Jinping Thought’?

China today shows many clear signs of Xi Jinping’s strong control over power.

One important example came on January 17, when the Communist Party’s anti-corruption agency announced that it had punished about 9.83 lakh (983,000) people in just one year. This was the highest number ever recorded. It shows how Xi uses a strict and fear-based approach to discipline officials and keep tight control over the party.

• But Xi’s power is not based only on punishment. It also comes from his authority as a leader.
• His political ideology, called “Xi Jinping Thought”, has been officially added to China’s Constitution. This gives his ideas a legal and permanent status, similar to the thoughts of earlier revolutionary leaders.
• At all levels of government, party officials openly show loyalty to Xi, calling him the “core” leader of the Communist Party. This means that decision-making power is highly centralized around him.
• In schools and universities, students are required to study and memorise Xi’s sayings and ideas, treating them as guiding principles. His thoughts are widely promoted through books, speeches, and official study materials.
• To further spread his ideology, the fifth volume of Xi Jinping’s writings on governance was published last year. This reflects how his ideas are continuously being reinforced across Chinese society.

In short:

• Xi Jinping controls China through strict discipline and strong ideology.

• Anti-corruption drives enforce obedience.

• His ideas are constitutional, compulsory, and widely taught.

• Power is centralised around one leader, making Xi the most powerful Chinese leader in decades.