Visionary leadership

The release of the fifth volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, consisting of 91 of Chinese President Xi Jinping's spoken and written works from 27 May 2022 to 20 December 2024, has further provided clarity on the issues in the contemporary governance of China, a major country whose domestic dynamics and international outlook are hugely consequential to the world. Such clarity is especially important because some intellectuals in the West have framed China as esoteric and its governance "opaque" and shrouded in "secrecy." The book makes clear the governance of modern China. 

As the Chinese philosopher Lao Zi (571–471 B.C.) observed in Dao De Jing (The Classic of the Way and Virtue), "governing a big country is as delicate as frying a small fish." The governance of modern China, as reflected in the works of President Xi, resembles an intricate spider's web, carefully woven with diligence and firmly rooted in fundamental principles. 

The fifth volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China builds on earlier editions by making President Xi's ideas accessible to a wider global audience. It outlines the principles and practices of governance in the world's second-largest economy as the country assumes greater responsibility for shaping an international order that is inclusive and responsive to both traditional and emerging global challenges. 

The volume is divided into 18 thematic sections, with articles in each arranged chronologically. Forty-one photographs add visual richness and complement the text. 

An arduous task 

The book highlights the central role of the Communist Party of China (CPC) not only in the emergence of modern China, but also in shaping its governance philosophy, structure, and strategies. Without the CPC, China's progress would have remained a distant dream. Reflecting on this historical starting point, President Xi noted in his report to the 20th CPC National Congress in October 2022 that, since its founding a century ago, the CPC has taken a remarkable journey, and "has dedicated itself to achieving lasting greatness for the Chinese nation and committed itself to the noble cause of peace and development for humanity."

President Xi emphasised that governance is far from an easy endeavour, observing that "the journey ahead is long and arduous" and affirming that "we will not be daunted by high winds, turbulent waters, or dangerous storms, for the people will always be our backing and source of confidence." Stating the importance of avoiding ideologically motivated misrepresentation, particularly in Western interpretations of the Party's source of confidence and its steadfastness, President Xi urged his comrades that "we must uphold Marxism as the bedrock upon which our Party and country are founded and thrive, and ceaselessly develop Marxism in the rich loam of Chinese history and culture."

Indeed, the development of Marxism in contemporary China has culminated in the Party's main theoretical achievement: Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Comprehending the world's historical trends and future trajectories from a longer-term and broader perspective, understanding the development trends and laws of human society in general and China in particular, understanding the principles underlying high-quality development and the new development dynamics in the context of China's current development stage, and understanding the latest wave of the scientific and technological revolution and ongoing international growth are some of the defining issues illuminated by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. 

With a people-centred outlook reflecting the Party's traditional mass line, President Xi emphasised that "the successful results of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of our times stem from the collective wisdom of the Party and the people."

The successful application of Marxism in China has shown its universal relevance and the strength of its theoretical and historical insights. Beyond a political ideology, movement, or regime type, Marxist theory provides a universal framework to analyse, illuminate, and critically assess specific contexts in relation to their circumstances, historical periods, and local conditions. 

Noting that "development opportunities as well as unprecedented risks and challenges" exist, and quoting the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore that "the sea of danger, doubt and denial around man's little island of certainty challenges us to dare the unknown," President Xi called on his peers at the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in 2023 to rise to the moment and bring greater certainty and positive energy to world peace and development. 

International outlook  

The themes that are clearly discernible in China's international outlook are its commitment to greater responsibility in promoting shared global development, building a more inclusive international security framework, and fostering engagement through dialogue among peoples and civilisations. China has contributed over $1 trillion to construction and development projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, the world's largest public good. This "project of the 21st century" addresses the practical needs of participating countries and extends its benefits beyond. 

The fifth volume highlights the key elements of China's contemporary governance, providing critical insights that inform better governance practices across diverse fields and regions. 

President Xi stated at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in September 2024, "China and Africa account for one-third of the world population. Without our modernisation, there will be no global modernisation." This landmark statement speaks powerfully to the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity and the practical tools needed to achieve it. 

The fifth volume underscores President Xi's contributions to addressing the challenges of global governance. The launch of the Global Governance Initiative at the recent meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation leaders has been met with positive reception, particularly in the Global South.  

Nigeria, Africa's largest country by population, issued a formal statement on 11 September, welcoming the initiative as "timely and thoughtful," and a meaningful contribution to international dialogue, noting that it aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063. The statement added that "Nigeria particularly welcomes the initiative's emphasis on sovereign equality, rule of law, multilateralism, people-centred governance, and result-oriented action."

The fifth volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China arrives at an opportune moment, as deficits in governance and their impact on the delivery of public goods remain a pressing topic across many countries. The experiences and insights from China's contemporary governance presented in the volume can provide practical guidance in such discussions worldwide. 

Policy practitioners, analysts, scholars, media professionals, and the general reading public worldwide will find the fifth volume of the book an invaluable companion, continuing the tradition of the previous volumes.  

The author is Director of Centre for China Studies, Abuja, Nigeria