The Chinese Road with Confidence

The book demonstrates Xi's strong confidence in socialism with Chinese characteristics, even more impressive than the self-confidence he displays as an individual. He stresses that we should be fully confident in the path, the theory, and the system of Chinese socialism.

Xi has a famous saying that "only the wearer of the shoes knows if they fit, and only the people can best tell if the development path they have chosen for their country suits." He believes that unique cultural traditions, historical experience, and national conditions determine that the Chinese must take a development path that suits their own characteristics.

Reform Is a Bridge to Our Dreams

The book presents Xi's overall vision of reform, and the particularities of how reform will impact on China's economy, politics, culture, society, ecology and national defense. China finds itself confronted by a series of conflicts and challenges, such as unbalanced and unsustainable development, drawbacks in scientific and technological innovation, a sub-optimal industrial structure and an extensive development model, rising social conflict, gaps between rural and urban development and income, and rampant corruption. If these problems are not solved, China's development will be hampered, and the Chinese Dream will remain elusive.

Xi emphatically makes the point that deeper reform and opening up is the only way to solve development problems. "Reform and opening up is always ongoing and will never end."

Changing Work Conducts and Combating Corruption

Seven articles present Xi's thinking and policy measures on improving work conducts and combating corruption. The new central leadership, committed to a policy of zero-tolerance with regard to corruption, is firm in its detemination to catch "tigers" and "flies" – high-ranking officials guilty of corruption as well as petty ones. Dozens of corrupt officials at ministerial level or above have already fallen from power, and serious cases are under investigation. Clearly committed to combating corruption with "combined blows," Xi has also vowed to have "power being ‘caged' by the system," stressing the construction of a system to restrict the exercise of power and subject it to public scrutiny.

Responsible, Pragmatic and Credible Party and Government

"I will govern by serving the people and fulfilling the responsibilities imposed on me." Xi believes that to be responsible means to adhere to principles with a sense of responsibility and to have the courage to take resolute action when confronted by major issues of principle, to tackle difficulties head-on and never to shy away from conflict, to face all kinds of crises, to admit one's part in mistakes, and to resolutely fight against misconduct.

Xi stresses that officials should have a sound understanding of political achievements and be realistic and far sighted, laying solid foundations rather than seeking quick wins.