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Former Chinese president Jiang Zemin died in Shanghai on November 30, 2022, aged 96. Jiang, who was born in Yangzhou, Jiangsu in 1926, graduated from Shanghai Jiaotong University with a degree in electronic engineering, and rose up in state-owned factories and government agencies overseeing industries. He was promoted to China's top power bench soon after the bloody crackdown on student movement in Beijing in 1989, becoming general secretary of the Party and chairman of its Central Military Commission. He became president in 1993. He held on to the military chief job for two more years even after handing the Party leadership and presidency to successor Hu Jintao in 2002-2003. He was believed to still wield massive influence on Chinese politics a decade after his retirement.
The concept of ‘new productive forces’ shows that China’s top leadership has realised that the traditional model of relying on debt-fuelled investment to drive growth has reached its limit.
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The ultra-leftist revival threatens Xi’s plans to revive the economy and turn China into a dominant world power by 2049. It’s time to curb these ultra-nationalistic tendencies and return to pragmatic reform and development.
As China moves forward, the legacy of Jiang Zemin will prove invaluable for President Xi Jinping, who faces challenges equal to those overcome by his predecessor.
Some China watchers may cite the increased appearance of ideological phrases in the 20th party congress report to conclude that Beijing is ditching pragmatism, but such arguments diverge from reality.
- Opportunity to buy control of a bank in China, home to the fast economic growth in the world, was certainly appealing, Shan Weijian says in new book Money Machine
- Jiang Zemin and his government considered foreign investment and participation ‘as critical to their reforms and growth agenda’
Deng Xiaoping’s embrace of economic liberalisation unleashed a boom in private entrepreneurship in China, but the confidence that entrepreneurs had in Beijing to protect their interests has somewhat weakened in the past decade.
Former president Jiang Zemin’s passing acknowledged in speech and with two pictures added to Xi’s office collection.
In this edition of the Global Impact newsletter, we look back at the life and achievements of former Chinese president Jiang Zemin, and ahead to what the future holds for China.
Jiang’s relatives say their final farewells as they strew his remains on waters at the entrance to the Yangtze River.
The policy ‘arrows’ Beijing fired in November will aid debt-trapped developers, but observers differ on the timing and magnitude of a rebound, while some doubt the boom times will ever return.
Xi vows to carry on with opening up to the world while also working for ‘national rejuvenation’.
The 80-year-old did attend a brief ceremony on Monday, but did not appear at Tuesday’s longer funeral service.
Government agencies, courts, schools and hospitals pay final tribute to ex-president, as ferry horns echo across Victoria Harbour.
Xi credits Jiang with leading the country through difficult times, upholding the rule of socialism and persisting in opening up and economic reform.
Former Chinese president Jiang Zemin had a keen appreciation of science, ‘thirst to explore new ideas’.
When China was at a critical crossroads in 1989, Jiang helped lay the groundwork for an economic transformation, and it largely hinged on improving relations with Western countries.
Ceremony held at PLA hospital before casket taken to Babaoshan cemetery for cremation.
In Hong Kong, students, civil servants, healthcare staff to join residents in honouring late leader.
Curbs to start on Monday and encompass the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery.
Hong Kong will mourn together with ‘mainland compatriots’ when memorial service is being held in Beijing on Tuesday, government spokesman says.
American envoy says Jiang worked to advance US-China ties at a ‘consequential time while managing our differences’.
Readers discuss the former Chinese president’s remark about local journalists, and Justin Trudeau’s interaction with Xi Jinping at the G20 summit.
