Xi Jinping's path from rural exile to leading China

Chinese leader Xi Jinping will make his first state visit to the United States in 11 years on Wednesday, arriving in Washington as the two nations compete for influence amid tariffs, technology restrictions, and military buildup. Xi's journey began 40 years ago when he visited Iowa as a local official to study American farming. Born in 1953 to a prominent revolutionary family, he was sent to a cave dwelling in rural Shaanxi during the Cultural Revolution after his father fell from power. Now 73 and in power for nearly 14 years, Xi has centralized control, removed presidential term limits, and expanded China's global presence through initiatives like the Belt and Road. His closest relationship is with Russia's Vladimir Putin, while ties with the US remain complex.