Asian History: Who is Hu Jintao?

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Who is Hu?

“Only reform and opening up can develop China. We must not be afraid of any risks, and not be confused by any distractions” (Hu Jintao). The development of China has been a millennium long process including both high and low moments, but could not have been achieved without the structural leadership from the government. One of the most important figures in Chinese history for leadership was Hu Jintao because he created a method of harmonizing the country against corruption, established political connections, and exploited the effects that Communism has on the mobilization of China.

Hu Jintao was born on December 21, 1942 in Taizhou, China. His father is Hu Jingzhi, and his mother is unknown, but died when Jintao was seven. Sadly, his father was killed during the Cultural Revolution of China, and was therefore raised by his aunt. In his early life, he attended Dapu Elementary, and Jiangsu Provincial Taizhou Middle School. He was an exceptional student with strong academics that led to success throughout his college years. In 1960, Jintao studied at the Department of Water and Conservancy Engineering at Tsinghua University and received an engineering degree in 1964 (Davis 2008). Being at this university would later provide Hu with many opportunities that would propel him to future goals in politics and social endeavours.

While at the University, Hu made an important political connection with Song Ping who introduced him to a variety of political events and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This one connection paved the way for numerous opportunities to climb the political party tree and also gain recognition from such accomplishments. Song Ping was a major influence of Hu, who taught him valuable political ski...

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...ment of war criminals. Many human rights groups have noted that the treatment of Chinese prisoners taken from Tibet were unfair, and now Hu awaits trial on whether or not to be charged for war crimes and the massacre of thousands of innocent civilians.

The advancements into the modern age of 21st Century China would be incomplete without the input given by Hu Jintao. He successfully combined the modernization of the country with integration from the communist party. His political skills shook the world. He helped enrich the poverty stricken areas, created contemporary laws, and also took control of protecting Chinese border and negotiations. Hu Jintao was a leader in Chinese history because of his methods of harmonizing the country against corruption, establishing political connections, and exploiting the effects that Communism has on the mobilization of China.

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