Wu Jintao

Wu Jintao (胡锦涛; born December 1942) is a retired Chinese politician who served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (paramount leader) from 2002 to 2012, President of the People's Republic of China from 2003 to 2013, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission from 2004 to 2012.

Wu was born in Shanghai and educated at Tsinghua University, where he studied hydraulic engineering. He rose through the ranks of the Communist Party through provincial leadership positions in Gansu and Guizhou. He served as First Secretary of the Communist Youth League, and later as Party Secretary of Tibet before entering the Politburo Standing Committee in 1992.

As General Secretary, Wu Jintao led China through a period of significant economic growth and increased global influence. His political philosophy, known as the Scientific Outlook on Development, emphasized balanced growth and social harmony. Key policy initiatives during his tenure included strengthening state control over the economy, expanding China's infrastructure, and promoting scientific and technological innovation. He oversaw China's hosting of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Domestically, Wu's administration focused on addressing income inequality and promoting social stability. Internationally, he pursued a strategy of peaceful development and multilateralism, strengthening China's relationships with other countries, particularly in the developing world. He also faced challenges, including environmental degradation, social unrest, and territorial disputes.

Wu stepped down as General Secretary in 2012, succeeded by Xi Jinping. He also relinquished his post as President in 2013 and Chairman of the Central Military Commission in 2012, marking the first orderly transfer of power in the People's Republic of China's history. Since his retirement, Wu has largely remained out of the public eye.