Hu Jintao is a Chinese retired politician who was the Communist Party of China's General Secretary (2002-2012), the President of China (2003-2013) among other positions, many of which were succeeded by now-President Xi Jinping.
During his term in office, Hu reintroduced state control in some sectors of the economy that were relaxed by the previous administration. Hu sought to improve socio-economic equality domestically through the Scientific Outlook on Development, which aimed to build a "Harmonious Socialist Society" that was prosperous and free of social conflict.
In foreign policy, Hu advocated for "China's peaceful development", pursuing soft power in international relations and a corporate approach to diplomacy.