Thoughts from the Chairman
Cultivating the Next Generation
中国, China, literally “The Middle Kingdom”, that is where we belong, in the middle, and that is where we shall return. By the one hundred year anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic, the Communist Party shall lead the people back to their rightful place at the Center of the World Stage. It is the Party that has had the strength to unify China, it is the Party that has had the ability to bring about the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation”, and it is the Party that shall carry the Chinese people forward into its second century.
What the Party needs now is a way forward, a way to ensure that China survives and thrives, no matter what obstacles the West puts in our way. And the way to ensure that is to make sure that the Party remains true to itself and its ideals, and not fall victim to the spiritual pollution that caused the Soviet Union to decay and fall. And for that, we need a strong leader. General Secretary Xi turned 72 this year and is in good health. As we have seen by the American leader Donald Trump, who turned 79 the day before General Secretary Xi’s birthday, strong leaders can continue in office for a long time.
At the time of the next Party Congress, Comrade Xi will be 74, which means he can easily continue for yet another term in office, leading the Party, the PLA, and People, and China, toward its destiny. General Secretary Xi has led the nation back into the limelight, showing the world the CCP’s vision for a global community of common destiny for all mankind. And he has built a strong cadre of leaders who share that vision to lead the Party. It is from that close knit group of Party leaders that Xi will select one or two dedicated members to take up the mantle for the following generation. This way Xi can be the strict teacher who produces a talented student, loyal to the Party, to succeed him as General Secretary in 2032. Xi Jinping will of course maintain his leadership role as the core of the Party and will continue to represent China on the world stage as only a statesmen of his stature can do. Xi’s strong personal ties with the People’s Liberation Army will allow him to continue to serve as Chairman of the Central Military Commission long enough to pave the way for the leader of the next generation to learn the ropes at the feet of the master until he can walk through the door himself. At which time Comrade Xi can guide the Party from his place at its core, while allowing his handpicked successors to take up the day-to-day tasks.
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The “Thoughts from the Chairman” series are not necessarily factual, but meant to be thought provoking, providing one possible viewpoint or idea, from that of a Chinese leader. To reiterate, this article is nothing more than informed musings. It is intended to provoke thought and discussion. Nothing more. Opinions, conclusions, and recommendations expressed or implied within are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Air University, the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or any other U.S. government agency. Cleared for public release: distribution unlimited.