Xi Jinping, the current leader of China, is often regarded as one of the most formidable figures on the international stage today. His tenure has been marked by a series of decisive policies and a strong centralization of power, yet much about his personal life and motivations remains enigmatic. To better understand the man behind the stringent policies, one must delve into the legacy of his father, Xi Zhongxun (1913-2002), who was a pivotal revolutionary figure in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and had a profound influence on his son's political outlook.

Xi Zhongxun devoted over seventy years of his life to the CCP, standing shoulder to shoulder with prominent leaders such as Zhou Enlai and Hu Yaobang. His political journey began in the 1930s, during which he played an essential role in establishing the Communist base that would later provide vital support to Mao Zedong during the historic Long March in 1935. This pivotal initiative not only fortified Mao's leadership within the Party but also laid the groundwork for the Communist victory in the ensuing Chinese Civil War, which radically transformed the nations socio-political landscape.

In the years following the establishment of the Peoples Republic of China in 1949, Xi Zhongxun emerged as a key architect of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs). These zones represented a significant shift in economic strategy after Maos death in 1976, paving the way for market-oriented reforms and leading to an era of extraordinary economic growth that has redefined China's role on the global stage.

Moreover, Xi Zhongxun was instrumental in leading the Partys United Front efforts, which sought to cultivate relationships with a variety of ethnic groups, including Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Taiwanese. His method was marked by a delicate balance of diplomacy and firm governance, reflecting the intricate challenges of ruling a diverse nation with a wide array of cultural identities and histories.

However, Xi Zhongxuns legacy is complicated by controversy. In 1989, amid the intense atmosphere of the Tiananmen Square protests, he initially advocated for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Ultimately, however, he bowed to the Party's more hardline stance, agreeing to suppress the protests through violent means. This decision has left an enduring mark on Chinas political landscape and continues to shape the relationship between the government and its citizens.

The biography titled The Party's Interests Come First, authored by Joseph Torigian, represents the first comprehensive English-language examination of Xi Zhongxun's life and political journey. Torigian meticulously chronicles significant historical events spanning the Chinese revolution as well as the formative years of the Peoples Republic. Furthermore, this work provides an intimate narrative about the struggles of personal identity within the expansive and frequently oppressive framework of communist ideology.

Torigian's exhaustive research includes a wealth of new documents, interviews, diaries, and periodicals that collectively portray a vivid picture of Xi Zhongxun. This biography emphasizes the challenges he faced while trying to reconcile his personal beliefs with the stringent demands of the Party apparatus. Through the lens of his father's life and influence, we gain deeper insights into Xi Jinping's own political tactics, as well as the extraordinary organizational, ideological, and coercive powers that characterize the CCP. Additionally, the book addresses the often-ignored human costs associated with the Party's rigid governance and the sacrifices made in the name of political allegiance.

For those eager to comprehend the complex dynamics of Chinese politics and the personal histories that shape its leaders, The Party's Interests Come First stands as an invaluable resource. It sheds light not only on historical context but also on the contemporary challenges that China faces today.