Top Chinese officials led by President Xi Jinping lauded the "indelible contributions" of late leader Jiang Zemin as the Communist Party of China commemorated the 100th anniversary of the birth of Jiang on Monday.
Jiang, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 96, was the core of the third generation of the Party's central collective leadership and the principal founder of the Theory of Three Represents.
Delivering a 40-minute speech at the grand gathering held in the Great Hall of the People, where about 6,000 people were present, Xi paid tribute to Jiang’s “towering achievements” and “noble demeanor."
He spoke highly of Jiang’s contributions to safeguarding the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and achieving overall moderate prosperity in people's lives.
Xi also highlighted Jiang's role in opening China further to the world, including leading the country's accession to the World Trade Organization.
He commended Jiang’s effort in the smooth return of Hong Kong and Macau to Chinese sovereignty and his promotion of the cross-strait 1992 Consensus, which embodied the One China Principle.
Xi mentioned that Jiang, in 1989 when a serious political upheaval occurred in the country, resolutely supported and implemented the correct decisions of the Party and effectively safeguarded the stability in Shanghai.
Xi also praised Jiang's courage and vision as he made resolute decisions at key historical junctures and critical moments, while responding calmly to risks and challenges and securing the steady advancement of China's reform and opening up.
The Chinese leader emphasized the need for Party members to learn from Jiang’s astute judgment and foresight, as Jiang always stood with the people and cared for their well-being.
"On the new journey, we should stand ready to withstand high winds, choppy waters, and even dangerous storms, resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and continue to write a new chapter in the miracles of fast economic growth and long-term social stability," Xi said.
Officials in attendance at the commemoration included all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Vice President Han Zheng, as well as former Premier Wen Jiabao and former Vice President Wang Qishan. Former President Hu Jintao, Jiang's immediate successor, was not seen at the event.
Separately, a set of commemorative stamps celebrating the centenary of Jiang's birth and issued today was quickly sold out online, along with lines of eager people seen in various cities’ post offices hoping to get a set in person.
A set of commemorative coins bearing Jiang's image will also be issued later this month, with some saying that the set may be really hard to get.
