Xi Jinping: The Governance of China Volume I is an essential book for those seeking to understand China in the current era. Each article and speech presents clear, concise and systematic portrayal of the core leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the CPC Central Committee's thought process.

Outside observers will find this 600-page work of fundamental interest and value. It provides details of the CPC's role and objectives in China's development guided by the 18th CPC National Congress held in 2012. Various aspects of the role of the Party, the vision of development and China's role in the world are carefully addressed. In addition, helpful endnotes provide sources and further reading.

Xi emphasizes that the Two Centenary Goals and the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation are at the center of CPC thinking and plans. The first goal is to achieve a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2021, the centenary of the founding of the CPC. The second is to create a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful by the centenary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 2049.

The Chinese dream refers to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. This expansive vision includes not only reaching into China's rich historical and cultural past for inspiration, but also accessing innovation in the modernization process. Socialism with Chinese characteristics and the leadership of the CPC is the basis for rejuvenation in the present era.

Xi's Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy consists of building a moderately prosperous society, deepening reform, governing according to law and strictly governing the Party. Each one is addressed extensively in the book and is given its own section.

Overall, the book explains and gives guidance on socialism with Chinese characteristics, which is defined in Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Thought and practice are united as a guide to action. Marxism is not to be seen as a frozen dogma but rather as something to develop innovatively with Chinese characteristics for today's situation.

Xi makes a concerted and systematic effort to reach back into Chinese history across many centuries to illustrate his theoretical points as well as to emphasize his political and moral guidance. Various historical figures from different eras are quoted to good effect.

Because the nature and content of contemporary Chinese political thought is not well understood in the West, readers will gain valuable and much-needed insight into socialism with Chinese characteristics. Of course, understanding the CPC itself is fundamental. The chapter on governing the Party under strict discipline sheds important light on Xi's program for its reform and development. Given that there are about 1.4 billion Chinese people and some 90 million CPC members, it is logical for the Party to emphasize democratic centralism, discipline and competence. Eliminating corruption through firm measures is also emphasized.

Xi's guidance for the Party, with an emphasis on the leading role of the Central Committee, is presented in some detail in a number of the book's chapters. He also focuses on strengthening Party capability and leadership at the county level. This is the level closest to the people, which impacts on their daily life most. There is no doubt that Xi's own experience as a county Party secretary made a deep impression on him. Better supervision of state organs and public servants is also part of his guidance.

There are a number of important speeches and writings on economic development in the book, such as new concepts and various points touching upon structural reform, diverse forms of ownership, and science and technology.

In a particularly significant speech in 2016 featured in the book, Xi speaks about Party leadership in state-owned enterprises (SOEs). He emphasizes that SOEs are an important pillar and reliable force for the governance of the country.

Other important topics in the book include the environment and ecology, military development and the "one country, two systems" policy. On international affairs, the book includes a number of significant speeches and writings on China's diplomacy as a major country, peaceful development and cooperation, and the Belt and Road Initiative.

Overall, the editors successfully fulfilled a major task. The collection is of international importance and marks a significant milestone in China's current Long March.

Copyedited by Rebeca Toledo

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