Who Is Hu Jintao? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on December 21, 1942, Hu Jintao will turn 82 years old in 2025. He served as the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party from 2002 to 2012 and also held the position of President of the People's Republic of China during the same period. Hu is known for his role in promoting China's economic growth and strengthening its position on the global stage. His leadership emphasized a harmonious society and sustainable development, which greatly impacted the country's domestic policies and international relations.
For more detailed information, you can visit his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 21, 1942 |
| Age | 82 Years |
| Birth Place | Taizhou, Jiangsu, China |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | China |
Popularity
Hu Jintao's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Hu Jintao is reported to be approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall. His weight has varied throughout his life, but as of 2025, it is estimated to be around 154 pounds (70 kg). While specific body measurements are less commonly documented for political figures, his presence has commanded respect and authority throughout his career.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Hu Jintao is married to Liu Yongqing, whom he wed in 1964. Liu has played a significant role in supporting Hu’s political career and is known for her philanthropic activities. The couple has one son, Hu Haifeng, who has followed in his father's footsteps in the realm of politics and business. As of 2025, Hu’s family life remains stable, with a strong emphasis placed on maintaining privacy away from the public eye.
He is a direct descendant of the Ming dynasty general Hu Zongxian, known for fighting Japanese pirates. His branch of the family migrated from Jixi County, Anhui to Taizhou during his grandfather's generation. Though his father owned a small tea trading business in Taizhou, the family was relatively poor.
His mother was a teacher and died when he was 7, and he was raised by an aunt. Hu's father was denounced during the Cultural Revolution, an event that (together with his relatively humble origins) apparently had a deep effect upon Hu, who diligently tried to clear his father's name.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Hu Jintao's net worth is estimated to be around $100 million. While exact figures can be challenging to verify in China, it is believed that his wealth has been accumulated through various political positions and investments, particularly in state-owned enterprises and public service benefits. His salary as the General Secretary and President is publicly documented; however, additional revenue sources contribute significantly to his overall net worth.
In foreign policy, Hu's critics say that his government was overly aggressive in asserting its new power, overestimated its reach, and raised the ire and apprehension of various neighbours, including Southeast Asian countries, India, and Japan. Such policies are also said to be provocative towards the United States.
Domestic critics, including the country's elites, intellectuals, and particularly dissidents, point to various shortcomings of the Hu administration and his failure in implementing his signature "Socialist Harmonious Society" policy.
They cite, for example, that China's internal security budget exceeded its military budget during Hu's tenure as protests and other 'mass incidents' continued to increase across the country. China's Gini coefficient climbed to 0.47 by 2010, indicating a potentially unsustainable gap between the rich and the poor.
The Hu administration's inability to rein in the wealth gap and its renewed emphasis on the role of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in the economy led some economists to believe that Hu missed a critical opportunity for reform and structural adjustment.
Hu's increased support for SOEs, including to merger and consolidate, is a trend that has continued during the administration of Xi Jinping.
Career, Business, and Investments
After graduating from Tsinghua University, Hu Jintao ascended through the ranks of the Chinese Communist Party. He held various significant positions, including roles in Tibet and eventually reaching the pinnacle as the General Secretary. His career has been marked by a focus on economic stability and the development of infrastructure in China. In retirement, Hu is known to pursue various investments, particularly in technology and green energy sectors, capitalizing on China's shift toward sustainability.
In 1973, Hu was transferred to the Construction Department of Gansu as a secretary. The next year he was promoted to deputy senior party secretary.
In 1980, Deng Xiaoping implemented the "Four Transformations" program, which aimed to produce communist leaders who were "more revolutionary, younger, more knowledgeable, and more specialized." In response to this nationwide search for young party members, Song Ping, the first secretary of CCP Gansu Committee (Gansu's governor) discovered Hu Jintao
and promoted him several ranks to the position of deputy head of the commission.
Another protégé of Song, Wen Jiabao, also became prominent at the same time.
Social Network
Hu Jintao maintains a low profile in terms of social media, which is consistent with the norms of many Chinese politicians. Unlike many of his Western counterparts, he does not actively engage on platforms such as Twitter or Facebook. However, he is often featured in news articles and analytical pieces related to China’s political landscape, contributing to his enduring presence in the public discourse.
On 15 November 2002, after the 16th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, a new Hu Jintao-led Politburo nominally succeeded Jiang's, while Hu became the CCP general secretary, effectively making him the paramount leader. Additionally, Wen Jiabao became the premier.
However, Jiang was re-elected to the post of chairman of the Central Military Commission, the top military body, despite Hu taking over as the general secretary. Jiang resigned as CMC chairman in September 2004, his last official post.
Following Jiang's stepping-down, Hu had officially taken on the three institutions in the People's Republic of China where power lie; the party, the state, as well as the military.
Education
Hu Jintao graduated from Tsinghua University in 1965 with a degree in hydraulic engineering. His education laid a strong foundation for his future in politics and leadership within the Chinese Communist Party. Throughout his career, Hu has emphasized the importance of education and technology in driving economic growth and sustainable development in China.
In summary, as Hu Jintao enters his 82nd year in 2025, his legacy as a prominent Chinese leader continues to influence both domestic policy and international relations, while his personal life reflects a commitment to family, privacy, and a sustained interest in business ventures post-retirement.
He joined the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in April 1964. That year he graduated from Tsinghua University after studying hub hydropower stations at the Water Conservancy Engineering Department. He worked as a political counselor at Tsinghua. In July 1965, Hu began work as an engineer.
