Key facts
- China's Communist Party is using Jiang Zemin's legacy to bolster Xi Jinping's leadership.
- Xi Jinping led an event commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of Jiang Zemin.
- Xi called for carrying forward Jiang's legacy, framing current leadership as a continuation of his project.
- A documentary and commemorative coins were released to mark Jiang Zemin's centenary.
- Jiang Zemin led China through rapid economic growth after the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown.
China's Communist Party is reportedly invoking the legacy of former leader Jiang Zemin to consolidate support for Xi Jinping's leadership. President Xi Jinping led top officials in commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of Jiang Zemin, who guided China through a period of significant economic expansion following the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown. In a speech, Xi urged the party to carry forward Jiang's legacy, positioning the current administration as a continuation of his political and ideological path. This effort comes as China faces economic headwinds and geopolitical challenges. State media coverage, a documentary series, and commemorative coins have also marked the centenary, with some netizens viewing Jiang as a symbol of a more optimistic era.