Why Did Hu Jintao Step Down?

Hu Jintao is a Chinese politician who served as the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) president from 2003 to 2013.

Hu Jintao stepped down as President of the People’s Republic of China on March 14, 2013. Xi Jinping succeeded him.

Hu reportedly chose to retire completely to avoid two power centres undermining the President’s and Party Chief’s authority.

Hu received praise for relinquishing his position as a general secretary while stepping down as military chief in favour of his successor, Xi Jinping.

This was interpreted as a message to the establishment and Jiang Zemin that elders should retire properly and refrain from interfering in the affairs of their successors.

Hu’s accomplishments included modernising China’s infrastructure, launching China’s first manned space probe, and sponsoring two successful international events: the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and the Shanghai Expo in 2010.

Overall, Hu led China to greater economic growth during his tenure. Hu’s successor, Xi Jinping, may struggle to match Hu’s record.