Jiang Zemin
Jiang Zemin
Full Name and Common Aliases
Jiang Zemin was born on August 17, 1926, in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. He is commonly known as the "Father of China's Reforms" due to his significant contributions to the country's economic transformation.
Birth and Death Dates
August 17, 1926 - November 30, 2022
Jiang Zemin passed away on November 30, 2022, at the age of 96.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Chinese
Politician and Economist
Jiang Zemin's career spanned over five decades, during which he held various positions in the Communist Party of China (CPC) and served as the President of the People's Republic of China from 1993 to 2003.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a middle-class family, Jiang was exposed to the economic and social changes that were taking place in China during his childhood. His father was a school principal, and his mother was a housewife. Jiang's early life was marked by hardship, as he experienced poverty and famine during the Japanese invasion of China.
Jiang Zemin studied at the East China University of Politics and Law, where he graduated with a degree in law in 1947. After completing his education, he joined the Communist Party of China (CPC) and began his career as a factory worker and party official.
Major Accomplishments
As the General Secretary of the CPC from 1989 to 2002, Jiang implemented significant economic reforms that transformed China's economy. He also played a key role in maintaining social stability during the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989.
Under his leadership, China experienced rapid economic growth, and he is credited with transforming the country into one of the world's leading economies. Jiang also strengthened the CPC's grip on power by promoting party loyalty and cracking down on dissent.
Notable Works or Actions
Jiang Zemin was a prolific writer and published numerous articles and speeches during his career. Some of his notable works include:
"On the Principles of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics" (1992) - This speech outlined Jiang's vision for China's economic reforms and social development.
"The Three Represents" (2000) - In this speech, Jiang emphasized the importance of representing the interests of the people, the advanced productive forces, and the latest achievements of modern science and technology.
Jiang also played a key role in maintaining China's foreign policy, particularly during his tenure as President. He strengthened ties with other countries, including the United States, Russia, and European nations.
Impact and Legacy
Jiang Zemin's legacy is complex and far-reaching. His economic reforms transformed China into one of the world's leading economies, lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. However, his authoritarian rule and human rights record have been widely criticized.
Despite these criticisms, Jiang remains a significant figure in Chinese politics and history. His contributions to China's economic development and social stability have had a lasting impact on the country.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Jiang Zemin is widely quoted for his insights on economics, politics, and society. His quotes often reflect his vision for China's future and offer guidance on how to navigate complex social and economic challenges.
Some of his notable quotes include:
"The people are the real heroes of our country."
"We must continue to promote reform and opening-up, and push forward the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics."
Overall, Jiang Zemin was a key figure in China's modern history, and his legacy continues to shape the country's politics, economy, and society. His quotes offer valuable insights into his vision for China's future and provide guidance on how to navigate complex social and economic challenges.
Quotes by Jiang Zemin
Jiang Zemin's insights on:
The People’s Liberation Army should play the role of shock troops, overcoming fatigue and sharpening vigilance to make new contributions.
The theory of relativity worked out by Mr. Einstein, which is in the domain of natural science, I believe can also be applied to the political field. Both democracy and human rights are relative concepts – and not absolute and general.
You are very familiar with Western ways, but you are too young. You go everywhere to follow the big news, but the questions you ask are too simple – sometimes naive.
The People's Liberation Army should play the role of shock troops, overcoming fatigue and sharpening vigilance to make new contributions.
China will continue to support the efforts of the Palestinian people to regain their legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent state,
Streamlining the army with Chinese characteristics is the right choice for China in military modernization,
A convention on the comprehensive ban of nuclear weapons should be negotiated. Since biological and chemical weapons have been prohibited, there is no reason why nuclear weapons, which are more destructive, should not be comprehensively banned and thoroughly destroyed. All it takes to reach this objective is strong political will.
![No department or locality may, or will be allowed to, interfere in the affairs which should be administered by [the SAR] on its own,](/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Flakl0ama8n6qbptj.public.blob.vercel-storage.com%2Fquotes%2Fquote-2806378.png&w=1536&q=100)
No department or locality may, or will be allowed to, interfere in the affairs which should be administered by [the SAR] on its own,
Chinese-Russian good neighborly relationships need to be brought forward by the younger generation.