Xi Jinping chosen as 'Asian' of the year

On December 5, The Straits Times, the largest English-language newspaper in Singapore and Southeast Asia, voted Chinese President Xi Jinping as “Asian of the Year 2017.”

This is also the second time the Chinese leader has been voted for this award. In 2013, he and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe were voted “Asian of the Year”.

In a year of turmoil and change marked by the transition of power in the US, Chinese President Xi Jinping has projected a calm image, championing free trade and supporting efforts to combat climate change, The Straits Times newspaper explained.

Beijing is also trying to connect the world through its “Belt and Road” initiative. He pledged that China would not increase its trade competitiveness by devaluing the yuan.

Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He also successfully consolidated and strengthened his power at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. This year, China also announced its intention to start negotiations with ASEAN countries on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC). Beijing also brokered an agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar to address the issue of 600,000 Rohingya fleeing the country.

The award, presented by The Straits Times every December, recognises an individual or individuals from Asia who have made a significant impact on their society or the wider region. Last year's winners were a group of technology and business leaders.

According to PLO