If you walk up to a random person on a street in Beijing and ask them who the "Chairman" is, they’ll know exactly who you mean. But here is the thing: if you look at an official English-language news release from the Chinese government, that word is nowhere to be found.
Xi Jinping is the man in charge. He’s been the face of the country since 2012. However, the title "Chairman of China" is actually a bit of a ghost from the past that has resurfaced in a very modern way.
Most Westerners call him "President Xi." In China, he is Xi Zhuxi (Chairman Xi). It’s not just a translation quirk; it’s a window into how power actually works in the world's second-largest economy.
The Man with Three Jobs
To understand who the chairman of China is today, you have to realize that Xi Jinping doesn't just have one desk. He basically runs the country through three distinct roles that stack on top of each other like a high-stakes game of Tetris.
First, he is the General Secretary of the Communist Party. This is the one that actually matters. In a one-party state, being the head of the party means you hold the remote control.
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Second, he is the Chairman of the Central Military Commission. This gives him direct command over the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). In the famous words of Mao Zedong, "political power grows out of the barrel of a gun." Xi hasn't forgotten that.
Finally, there is the title of President of the People's Republic of China. Ironically, this is his least powerful role. It’s mostly ceremonial—the title he uses when he’s shaking hands with world leaders or attending state dinners.
Why do we say Chairman?
The confusion comes from the Chinese word Zhuxi. Historically, this was translated as "Chairman." When Mao Zedong ruled, he was the Chairman of the Party and the Chairman of the State. After Mao died, China tried to move away from "one-man rule." They changed the official English translation of the head of state to "President" in 1982 to sound more like a normal republic.
But in the last few years, the "Chairman" vibe has come roaring back. Xi has consolidated power in a way no leader has since Mao. He’s stripped away term limits. He’s written his own political philosophy—Xi Jinping Thought—into the constitution.
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A Glimpse into Xi’s World in 2026
As we move through 2026, Xi’s grip on the country remains absolute. He recently delivered his New Year message from Beijing, focusing on "Chinese-style modernization." It wasn't just fluff. The country is currently navigating the start of its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), and Xi is the sole architect.
He’s currently obsessed with "quality growth." The days of China growing at 10% by building empty apartments are over. Now, it's about semiconductors, green energy, and "common prosperity"—which is basically a code word for narrowing the gap between the super-rich and everyone else.
Honestly, it’s a tough balancing act. The economy is facing some real headwinds. Youth unemployment has been a nagging issue, and the property market is still trying to find its floor.
The Anti-Corruption Sword
You can’t talk about Xi Jinping without talking about his anti-corruption campaign. It’s been running for over a decade now. Some see it as a genuine cleanup of a messy system; others see it as a very effective way to sideline political rivals.
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Just this January, Xi addressed the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. He talked about "confining power to an institutional cage." It’s a phrase he loves. By keeping the pressure on officials at all levels—from "tigers" (high-ranking elites) to "flies" (local bureaucrats)—he ensures that the party remains loyal to his vision.
What This Means for the Rest of the World
When people ask who is the chairman of China, they usually want to know what he’s going to do next. On the global stage, Xi is pushing a "hardline" foreign policy. Whether it’s the South China Sea or the complex dance with the United States over trade and technology, he isn't backing down.
Then there is Taiwan. As of 2026, analysts at places like the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) suggest that while the military rhetoric is loud, Xi is likely prioritizing stability. An invasion is a massive risk. If it fails, the party's legitimacy could crumble. Xi is a man who calculates risk very, very carefully.
Actionable Insights for Following Chinese Politics
If you're trying to keep up with what's happening in Beijing, don't just look at the headlines. Here is how to actually read the tea leaves:
- Watch the Central Committee Plenums: These are the big meetings where the real policy shifts happen. If they talk about "security" more than "economy," expect a crackdown or tighter regulations.
- Follow the "Core" Label: In official documents, Xi is often called the "Core of the Party." If that language ever starts to fade (which it hasn't), it would be the first sign of a shift in internal power.
- Check the 15th Five-Year Plan: Since 2026 is the kickoff year, pay attention to which industries are getting the most state funding. That’s where the next global market disruptions will come from.
- Language Matters: When you see the term Zhuxi used in Chinese media, remember it carries a weight of authority that the English word "President" just doesn't capture. It's a nod to a legacy of supreme leadership.
Xi Jinping isn't just a politician; he is the most powerful person to lead China in decades. Whether you call him President or Chairman, his decisions in 2026 will ripple through everything from the price of your next smartphone to the stability of global peace.