Classical Cultural Heritage in Contemporary Political Discourse of the PRC’s Supreme Leadership

This article examines the ideological foundations of contemporary China's political system as expressed in the political rhetoric of PRC Chairman Xi Jinping, who holds supreme power in the country. The research focuses on tracing the evolution of ideological approaches throughout Xi Jinping's three consecutive terms in office, spanning from 2012 to the present day. The study analyzes how classical Chinese philosophical thought has been systematically integrated into the ideological framework of the modern Chinese state, examining its strategic deployment to address contemporary political, economic, and socio-cultural challenges facing China in the 21st century. Through careful examination of Xi Jinping's public speeches, the research reveals patterns in how traditional Chinese wisdom is being reinterpreted and mobilized to legitimize current policies and strengthen the Communist Party's ideological narrative. The methodology employed involves comprehensive analysis of quotations from Chinese classical texts that appear in Xi Jinping's public addresses. The corpus of materials examined consists of two distinct components: first, quotations from the 2012-2015 period, which have been officially published as a separate compilation by Chinese authorities; second, quotations from 2015 to the present, which have been published across various online platforms and meticulously collected and compiled by the author into a unified compendium for systematic analysis. The findings demonstrate that classical cultural heritage serves multiple functions in contemporary Chinese political discourse. Moreover, the research reveals a discernible shift in the frequency and nature of classical references across Xi's three terms, reflecting evolving domestic priorities and international positioning. Consequently, this study contributes to understanding how traditional philosophical resources are being strategically employed to construct a distinctive Chinese model of governance that claims both historical continuity and contemporary relevance. As a result, the article provides insights into the mechanisms through which the Chinese leadership seeks to build ideological consensus while navigating the complexities of rapid modernization and global integration.