Jiang Zemin << jee ahng zeh meen >> (1926-2022) was China’s top political leader in the 1990’s and the early 2000’s. He held the post of general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party from 1989 until he resigned in 2002. The general secretary has traditionally been China’s most influential leader.
As general secretary, Jiang succeeded Zhao Ziyang, who had been dismissed for backing a pro-democracy movement. In 1989, Jiang also succeeded Deng Xiaoping as chairman of the Communist Party’s Central Military Commission. Until the early 1990’s, however, Deng still held the most influence in the Chinese government (see Deng Xiaoping). In 1993, Jiang was named to the largely ceremonial government post of president.
As leader, Jiang led a campaign to eliminate corruption, which he believed tarnished the Communist Party’s image. He also worked to strengthen relations between China and the United States. In addition, he sought economic improvements in line with Communist principles.
Jiang resigned as president in 2003. He resigned as chairman of the party’s Central Military Commission in 2004. The Central Committee appointed Hu Jintao to succeed Jiang. Chairman Hu Jintao, who had been hand-picked by Deng, had already succeeded Jiang as president and general secretary.
Jiang was born on Aug. 17, 1926, in Yangzhou in Jiangsu Province. In 1947, he graduated from Jiao Tong University in Shanghai with training in engineering. In 1982, Jiang was elected to the Central Committee of the Communist Party. In the late 1980’s, he held top positions in the government of Shanghai, including that of mayor. Jiang died on Nov. 30, 2022.
See also China (Protests).
