Xi marks Jiang centenary with Hong Kong focus
Bastillepost · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Xi Jinping spoke at a commemorative meeting in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on August 17 to mark the 100th anniversary of Jiang Zemin’s birth, praising Jiang’s political legacy and historical role in China’s development. In the speech, Xi highlighted Jiang’s leadership in the smooth return of Hong Kong and Macau, the advancement of the “1992 Consensus,” and major struggles against Taiwan independence, while also linking Jiang’s legacy to the goal of national rejuvenation.
Key Points
- The centenary meeting for Jiang Zemin was held at 10am on August 17 at the Great Hall of the People, with Xi Jinping attending and delivering a major speech
- Xi described Jiang as the core of the Communist Party’s third-generation central leadership and the principal founder of the important thought of the “Three Represents.”
- On Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan affairs, Xi said Jiang led the smooth return of Hong Kong and Macau and promoted the “1992 Consensus” under the one-China principle
- Xi said Jiang took charge during a turbulent international period after 1989 and, over 13 years in office, opened a new phase of reform, opening up and modernization
- The meeting was chaired by Premier Li Qiang, attended by all current Politburo Standing Committee members and several retired leaders including Wen Jiabao and Wang Qishan; Hu Jintao was absent
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, Xi’s emphasis on Jiang’s role in the city’s return to Chinese sovereignty places Hong Kong firmly within the official historical narrative presented at one of Beijing’s highest-level commemorative events. The speech also tied that legacy to the broader message that national rejuvenation is advancing step by step, suggesting continued political weight for sovereignty and national unity themes in central messaging.