Xi Jinping’s tribute to Jiang Zemin reinforces continuity and party unity
The president’s speech at a ceremony commemorating the centenary of Jiang’s birth sends a strong signal in the run-up to the 21st Communist Party congress
Xi led the commemoration with a 40-minute address to officials and delegates from various sectors at a ceremony that highlighted Jiang’s contribution to the party and the country. Jiang’s leadership during difficult times, such as the post-1989 political turmoil, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Asian financial crisis, his steadfast support for anti-corruption efforts and his astute assessment of complex internal and external challenges all mean a lot to the current leadership. The collapse of the Soviet bloc in 1991 was a major challenge, leaving China one of the few major socialist countries in the world. It took a lot of self-belief and conviction to keep the party united and strong.
Times change, and so have the challenges facing China and its leaders. By commemorating Jiang, Xi is sending a strong signal that China’s reform will continue. Nothing will change the Communist Party’s deep confidence in adhering to the socialist path and its determination to make China a strong nation, which is what Jiang tried hard to do.
Xi cited a long list of Jiang’s achievements, from political loyalty to the party to economic development, foreign policy and defence policy. It echoed the speech delivered at Jiang’s funeral in December 2022, when Xi described him as “a great Marxist, a great proletarian revolutionary, statesman, military strategist and diplomat, a long-tested communist fighter, and an outstanding leader of the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics”.
The theme of continuity was palpable. In his speech on Monday, Xi praised Jiang specifically for managing major risks to the country, including political and economic challenges and natural disasters. He singled out his management of the Asian financial crisis and massive flooding in 1998. He also praised the former leader for recognising the “strategic opportunity period” for China following the country’s accession to the World Trade Organization, and for his tough stance against Taiwan independence.
Xi shares Jiang’s unwavering belief in the cause of the party. It was during the collapse of the Soviet Union, when there was a tendency internationally to consign communism to the dustbin of history, that Jiang is credited with one of his major achievements. He realised that if a country of China’s size, scale and history followed a short-sighted path and fell into chaos, all efforts up to that point would be wasted.