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The Chinese Dream From Mao to Xi | China Power | The Diplomat
For any political party, it is vital to have a vision for the future that serves to provide compelling ethical or moral motivations to inspire people to participate in the party's cause. Lacking the procedural legitimacy of democratically selected leaders, it is even more important for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to create its own narratives and stories to bolster its legitimacy and to mobilize mass support. Even though Xi Jinping is probably the first Chinese leader to use the term "dream" in his new signature narrative, the CCP has a long tradition of providing its people with a rosy picture of the future.
Xi's Chinese Dream narrative is therefore like old wine in a new bottle with the dream's name supplanting Mao's realization of socialism and communism, Deng's invigoration of China, Jiang's national rejuvenation and Hu's harmonious society. With the rising complaints and unrest from the grassroots level about social inequity, Xi Jinping and the Party have also made special efforts to connect the Chinese Dream with the Chinese public. Instead of only emphasizing the Chinese Dream as the goal for the country and the government, Xi endeavored to convince the general public that the dream was also for each individual Chinese. And the realization of this dream for the country would be the catalyst for the realization of the dream for the individual, including housing, employment, public health, education and environment. Thus, the Chinese public could feel connected with the Chinese Dream narrative.