Final answer:
Yu became king of the Chinese people and founder of the Xia dynasty through a divine mandate, diplomatic skills, and economic reforms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The founder of the Xia dynasty and the first king of the Chinese people, Yu, became king through a combination of factors. One of the key factors was his divine mandate, which bestowed upon him the authority to rule. Additionally, Yu's diplomatic skills played a crucial role in his ascent to power. He was able to establish alliances and maintain harmonious relationships with other leaders, which contributed to his success. Lastly, Yu's economic reforms were instrumental in bringing stability to the Chinese people and solidifying his position as king.