China’s Xi praises former president Jiang Zemin’s contribution in show of party unity
Thousands gather at the Great Hall of the People for the Chinese leader’s speech honouring Jiang Zemin on his 100th birth anniversary
Addressing thousands of officials and delegates at the Great Hall of the People, Xi delivered a 40-minute speech that highlighted Jiang’s contributions to the Communist Party and the country.
A large portrait of Jiang was displayed above the rostrum – a practice reserved for deceased former top leaders like Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.
All seven members of the Politburo Standing Committee, along with a long list of retired state leaders, attended the ceremony in a show of solidarity within the party.
They included former premier Wen Jiabao, who served between 2003 and 2013, and former vice-presidents Wang Qishan and Zeng Qinghong. Former president Hu Jintao was absent.
The ceremony was also attended by members of the Jiang family as well as people who worked around him, according to Premier Li Qiang, who moderated the event.
Xi, Li and other top leaders met Jiang’s family before the ceremony, according to state broadcaster CCTV.