Xi Jinping Pays Tribute to Jiang Zemin at Centenary Commemoration in Beijing

Chinese President Xi Jinping led a commemorative conference in Beijing on Monday to mark the birth centenary of Jiang Zemin, the country's former president and Communist Party chief. The event, held at Tiananmen Square, saw Xi and other leaders pay tribute to Jiang's role in shaping modern China.

Xi lauded Jiang for steering the nation through a period of rapid economic transformation and deeper global integration. He credited Jiang with advancing socialist material, political, and spiritual civilization, and for making what he called "indelible contributions" to the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Jiang, born on August 17, 1926, served as general secretary of the Communist Party from 1989 to 2002 and remained chairman of the Central Military Commission until 2004. He died in November 2022 at the age of 96.

During his tenure, China weathered the Asian financial crisis, joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, and pressed on with market-oriented reforms. Xi noted that Jiang made resolute decisions at critical junctures and responded calmly to risks, ensuring steady progress in the country's modernization.

Xi used the occasion to stress the need for vigilance and preparedness in the current era. He called for strengthening crisis awareness, establishing bottom-line thinking, and better coordinating development and security. He urged party members to defend national sovereignty and interests while continuing to achieve rapid economic growth and long-term social stability.

Concluding his remarks, Xi linked Jiang's legacy to the party's present-day goals of building a strong global power and achieving national rejuvenation, expressing confidence in the bright prospects ahead.