Jiang Zemin makes second public appearance ahead of power change
Analysts say ex-leader's second high-profile appearance aimed at asserting influence
Mainland news portals yesterday trumpeted yet another public appearance by former president Jiang Zemin in the run-up to the Communist Party's once-in-a-decade power change next month.
Jiang's October 9 meeting with Shanghai Ocean University leaders in Beijing was his second high-profile public appearance since late September. Political observers see the appearances as an effort to reassert his influence before the party's 18th national congress.
The university, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this month, posted two group photos and a close-up shot showing the 86-year-old retired leader in apparently good health. Last year, Jiang reportedly fell seriously ill, sparking rumours of his death.
"On October 9, comrade Jiang Zemin and his wife, Wang Yeping, kindly received the university's party chief, Yu Lijuan, and principal Pan Yingjie," the press release said.
Jiang has long maintained a close relationship with the university. In the late 1940s, he, a former professor and the professor's wife worked at the same Shanghai foodstuffs factory. The professor's wife was a member of the factory chorus Jiang headed.