Hu Jintao served as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China from 2002 to 2012 and was the President of China from 2003 to 2013. He was known for promoting a more moderate and technocratic approach to governance, focusing on economic development and social stability. During his leadership, Hu Jintao emphasized the concept of the "Scientific Outlook on Development," which aimed to balance economic growth with social equity and environmental sustainability. His tenure also saw China's growing influence on the global stage, particularly in areas like trade and international relations.