President Xi Jinping has articulately used adages, idioms and metaphors to discuss a new round of reform to drive the development of the world’s second-largest economy since 2012. In a distinct fashion, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, vividly communicates the country’s reform goals and methods to audiences both at home and abroad. In April 2014, Xi delivered a speech at the College of Europe during his state visit to Belgium.
China needs to “venture into the mountain despite knowing there are tigers,” as its reform has entered a “deep water zone” where tough challenges must be addressed, Xi said. Ahead of a visit to Latin America about three months later, Xi once again invoked the expression to proclaim to the world China’s unwavering determination and courage in furthering reform. “We will advance reform with the political courage and wisdom of ‘venturing into the mountain despite knowing there are tigers,’ and with great dedication to working hard and achieving tangible results,” he said.
In an interview with a Russian TV station in February 2014, Xi said that Chinese leaders must “play the piano with all 10 fingers,” emphasizing the need to plan for the bigger picture while keeping all moving parts in play. Since assuming the Party’s top post in November 2012, Xi has made “coordination” a keyword in the CPC’s endeavors to deepen reform so as.
