On December 31 President Hu Jintao (胡锦涛) gave a New Year’s address via state TV and radio stations. He stressed the continuation of a strong economy through openness to the international community and the engagement in practices of trade that benefit everyone. He also mentioned putting forth more effort in the relief of suffering in the poorest nations.
Reading about Hu Jintao’s national speech made me question…Who exactly is Hu Jintao? As individuals in the Chinese American community, we have heard of him through conversation and the media, but what Is Hu Jintao’s background and what makes him so appealing to many Chinese citizens?
Hu Jintao was born in Shandong province in 1942. His mother died while he was young and while his dad owned a tea trading business, the family was still relatively poor. Ultimately, an aunt raised Hu. He was a talented student and while at university in 1964, he joined the Communist Party of China. He eventually graduated with a degree in hydraulic engineering.
Finally, through a series of promotions throughout his career in the government, Hu Jintao rose to the top of the political ladder in the ‘90s. He has been the president of China for seven years now.
Many political analysts say that 2010 is the year of China—some say it will be a good year, while others say it will be bad. Whether it is a good or bad year for China, China will be in the spotlight and Hu Jintao will be its leader.
See the full New Year's Eve speech: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLdd9xkfxNI
