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Hu Jintao

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Hu Jintao was a very important leader in China.

中國國家主席胡錦濤
中國國家主席胡錦濤

He served as the president of China from 2003 to 2013. He was also the general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party from 2002 to 2012. For many years, he was the top leader of the country. He was known for a quiet and modest way of leading. His style focused on many leaders working together to make decisions. This helped keep the government stable during his ten years in office.

Hu Jintao during a defense meeting held at the Pentagon, May 2002, cropped
Hu Jintao during a defense meeting held at the Pentagon, May 2002, cropped

His life began in 1942 in Tai County, Jiangsu. His family was not wealthy and lived a humble life. His mother was a teacher, but she died when he was only seven years old. He was raised by an aunt during his childhood. Later, his father faced hard times during the Cultural Revolution. This experience had a deep effect on Hu as he grew up. He worked very hard to clear his father's name.

Old buildings in Jiāngyàn
Old buildings in Jiāngyàn

Hu studied engineering at Tsinghua University. He learned about how to build hydropower stations. In 1965, he began working as an engineer. He volunteered to work in Gansu to help build a large power station. He also worked for the Communist Youth League. This group helped him move up into leadership roles in Beijing. He eventually became the first secretary of the Youth League.

Hu Jintao and Barack Obama 2009
Hu Jintao and Barack Obama 2009

As he rose in power, Hu worked in different parts of China. He served as a leader in Guizhou province. Later, he became the leader of the Tibet Autonomous Region in 1988. During his time in Tibet, there were protests and serious clashes in Lhasa in 1989. These events were very difficult and controversial. Managing these hard situations helped him gain attention from top leaders. This attention helped him become a member of the top decision-making group in 1992.

2012七一遊行 3
2012七一遊行 3

During his time as the top leader, China grew very quickly. Hu wanted to create a "Harmonious Socialist Society." This meant he wanted more equality and less conflict in the country. He helped more people get healthcare coverage. He also helped state-owned businesses grow. China's influence grew in places like Africa and Latin America.

Hu Jintao and Barack Obama 2009
Hu Jintao and Barack Obama 2009

After ten years, Hu retired from his positions. He was succeeded by Xi Jinping. He is the only living former top leader of the People's Republic of China.

Hu Jintao and Barack Obama 2009
Hu Jintao and Barack Obama 2009
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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:Old buildings in Jiāngyàn.jpg
Old buildings in Jiāngyàn.jpg
File:Hu Jintao during a defense meeting held at the Pentagon, May 2002, cropped.jpg
Hu Jintao during a defense meeting held...
File:中國國家主席胡錦濤.jpg
中國國家主席胡錦濤.jpg
File:Hu Jintao and Barack Obama 2009.jpg
Hu Jintao and Barack Obama 2009.jpg
File:George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush with Hu Jintao.jpg
George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush with...
File:2012七一遊行 3.jpg
2012七一遊行 3.jpg
File:Dmitry Medvedev in China 14 April 2011-2.jpeg
Dmitry Medvedev in China 14 April 2011-2.jpeg
File:Secretary Clinton, VIce President Biden and Dr. Biden Co-Host a Luncheon in Honor of Chinese President Hu Jintao (5371703392).jpg
Secretary Clinton, VIce President Biden...
File:The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and the President of China, Mr. Hu Jintao in a press conference held by the leaders of five Outreach Countries (O5) during G-8 Summit, at Sapporo, Japan on July 08, 2008.jpg
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh...
File:Hu Protest2 (5367462375).jpg
Hu Protest2 (5367462375).jpg
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