Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called on the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese people to continue advancing socialism with Chinese characteristics as China marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of former leader Jiang Zemin.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a commemorative gathering at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, according to Anadolu Agency.

He urged the party and people of all ethnic groups to draw inspiration from Jiang’s life and work and carry forward efforts to advance China’s socialist development, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the country’s development path.

Jiang served as general secretary of the CPC Central Committee from 1989 to 2002 and as China’s president from 1993 to 2003. He led the country during a period of rapid economic growth and expanding engagement with the global economy.

During his tenure, China deepened its economic integration with the international community and joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, a move that helped accelerate the country’s participation in global trade.

Jiang was born on Aug. 17, 1926, in Yangzhou, in eastern China’s Jiangsu province. He died in Shanghai on Nov. 30, 2022, at the age of 96.

BOB Post