HONG KONG -- As China's economic downturn sparks global concern, Beijing is stepping up compulsory study of President Xi Jinping's political doctrine and writings, particularly within state-owned enterprises and institutions.
Nikkei Asia has spoken to a dozen employees of state banks, airlines, government institutions and private companies. All requested anonymity, as discussion of the ideological training is deemed sensitive. But together they painted a picture of a growing emphasis on "Xi Thought" -- an apparent effort to consolidate the president's power and shore up confidence in his leadership in the face of economic headwinds.
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