During a 2021 visit to the very site where his father once served, President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, softly recited a guiding line: “Sit upright at the side of the people.” Now prominently displayed in the exhibition hall, these words trace back to Xi Zhongxun’s people-first approach in Suide, Shaanxi Province.
As a revered leader of the CPC, Xi Zhongxun earned a reputation for approachability and trust. Locals would simply say, “Go find Zhongxun,” knowing he would listen, understand, and solve problems rooted in daily life.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Xi Jinping has engraved “people” at the heart of his own political journey—from Liangjiahe to Zhengding, Fujian to Zhejiang, Shanghai to Beijing. Whether seated on a kang or a humble wooden stool, he shared simple meals with villagers, listened intently, and prioritized their everyday needs.
“Of all the jobs in front of us, the most important is to ensure a happy life for our people,” Xi Jinping reiterated in his 2025 New Year message, underlining a mission that transcends generations.
Today, those enduring values continue to shape governance in the Chinese mainland, reminding leaders and citizens alike that true impact is born from close connections and real-world understanding.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
