In a captivating move, the Chinese state television has premiered a historical drama that sheds light on the life of Xi Zhongxun, the father of the current Chinese President, Xi Jinping. Funded by the Central Propaganda Department of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the 39-episode series, "Time in the Northwest," chronicles the elder Xi's journey from a peasant family in rural Shaanxi province to a prominent figure in the CCP's revolutionary efforts in China's northwest region.

Unveiling the Untold Narrative of a Revolutionary Legacy

Tracing the Roots of a Political Dynasty

The series delves into the formative years of Xi Zhongxun, portraying his transformation from a humble peasant to a dedicated revolutionary who played a pivotal role in establishing key CCP bases in Shaanxi and Gansu provinces. The show's focus on Xi's "extraordinary experience" during the Chinese civil war, in which the Communists emerged victorious over the Nationalists (KMT), underscores the family's deep-rooted ties to the party's history and the legacy that has been passed down to the current president.

Navigating the Complexities of Party Politics

While the series celebrates the elder Xi's revolutionary fervor and his rise through the CCP ranks, it also touches on the challenges he faced within the party. The show reportedly ends in 1952, a year before Xi Jinping's birth, and a decade before Zhongxun was purged for supporting a novel that was perceived as a covert attempt to rewrite party history. The elder Xi's subsequent 16-year period of political purgatory is believed to have had a profound impact on the younger Xi's relationship with the party, shaping his approach to controlling the narrative of the party's history.

Shaping the Narrative: Balancing Glorification and Censorship

The production of "Time in the Northwest" reflects the CCP's ongoing efforts to control the narrative surrounding its history and the personal histories of its key figures. While the series aims to glorify the elder Xi's revolutionary contributions, it also navigates the delicate balance of avoiding the most traumatic aspects of his life, such as the attempted assassination plot that led to his imprisonment. This selective portrayal highlights the party's sensitivity to historical narratives and its desire to present a sanitized version of its past.

Generational Divide and the Pursuit of Ideological Continuity

The series' release also coincides with Xi Jinping's concerns about the younger generation's waning enthusiasm for the party's ideals. In a recent article published in the People's Daily, the Chinese president urged young people to "unswervingly listen to and follow the party" and to be willing to "endure hardships and work hard." This rhetoric stands in contrast with the recent trends among young Chinese, such as the "lying flat" (tangping) and "involution" (neijuan) movements, which reflect a desire for a more passive and less demanding lifestyle.

Bridging the Generational Gap: The Passing of the Baton

The production of "Time in the Northwest" can be seen as a concerted effort to bridge this generational divide and to present Xi Jinping as the rightful heir to his father's revolutionary legacy. By showcasing the elder Xi's unwavering commitment to the party's cause, the series aims to inspire a sense of duty and loyalty among the younger generation, encouraging them to take up the "baton" from their predecessors and continue the party's ideological mission.In conclusion, the premiere of "Time in the Northwest" on Chinese state television represents a strategic move by the CCP to shape the narrative surrounding the personal history of Xi Jinping's father, Xi Zhongxun. The series serves as a vehicle to glorify the elder Xi's revolutionary contributions, while also navigating the complexities of party politics and the ongoing efforts to maintain ideological continuity across generations. As the country's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong, Xi Jinping's relationship with the party's history and his family's legacy continues to be a central focus of the CCP's propaganda efforts.