World Book Day special: Understanding Xi through his book list

Traditional Chinese classics

Representing the quintessence of Chinese civilization, traditional classics also take an important position on the reading list of Xi.

As Xi said: "Ancient classics are in our veins and DNA."

Xi often uses sayings from traditional Chinese classics to explain his philosophy of governing the country or China's foreign policy.

"All living things should grow in harmony without hurting one another, and all the ways should run forward without interfering with one another."

This saying originates from the Confucian classic The Book of Rites which dates back some 2,000 years. Xi cited the sentence to explain his vision for universal harmony and building a community with a shared future for mankind while addressing a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France.