Xi Jinping shares his views on being a leader
As he prepares for first foreign trip as head of state, president lists attention to detail and devotion to job among qualities needed to rule
President Xi Jinping shared his ruling philosophy with foreign and domestic journalists this week ahead of his first overseas trip as head of state, citing respect for different perspectives, mental alertness and attention to detail as the top qualities that the leader of a big country should possess.
Quoting a Chinese proverb that says "governing a big country is as delicate as cooking a small dish", Xi warned the nation's leaders to completely devote themselves to their work. He also urged them to handle their responsibilities "as if they are walking on thin ice or standing on the edge of an abyss".
Xi made the remarks in an interview on Tuesday with major media outlets from the BRICS nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Xi will leave for Moscow today and has a hectic schedule. He is spending less than 48 hours in the country but will attend about 20 events.
Then he embarks on a tour of three African nations: Tanzania, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
He will also attend the BRICS summit in Durban, South Africa, on Tuesday and Wednesday.