China's Xi leads ceremony for Jiang Zemin's centenary

BEIJING — Chinese President Xi Jinping led a state ceremony on Tuesday marking the 100th birth anniversary of former leader Jiang Zemin, reinforcing the Communist Party's historical narrative amid ongoing economic headwinds.

The event, held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, included speeches and tributes to Jiang, who served as China's top leader from 1989 to 2002. State media described the gathering as a solemn commemoration of Jiang's contributions to China's reform and opening-up policies.

Xi, who has consolidated power under his leadership since 2012, was joined by other senior officials, including Premier Li Qiang and former President Hu Jintao. The ceremony reflects the party's emphasis on ideological continuity, particularly as China faces slowing growth, structural imbalances, and geopolitical tensions.

Jiang's tenure was marked by market-oriented reforms, integration into the global economy, and the handover of Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. His leadership also coincided with China's rapid industrialization and emergence as a global economic power.

Analysts note that the commemoration serves as a reminder of the party's historical legitimacy, even as Xi's administration pursues policies that diverge from Jiang's era, including tighter state control over the economy and stricter ideological oversight.

The event follows recent economic data showing persistent challenges, including weak consumer demand, a struggling property sector, and deflationary pressures. State media framed the ceremony as a call to uphold Jiang's legacy while advancing China's modernization goals.

No new policy announcements were made during the event, which concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony at Jiang's former residence in Yangzhou.