Former Chinese President, Jiang Zemin, has passed away at the age of 96. Zemin was born in Yangzhou, on the 17th of August in 1926. Zemin’s rise to power started when he became the mayor of Shanghai in 1985. Then, in 1987, Zemin was promoted to Shanghai’s party secretary. In 1989, protests in Shanghai with over 100,000 people, including many students. The current general secretary, Zhao Ziyang, supported the protests. This is when Zemin was appointed general secretary, replacing Ziyang. Fast forward to 1992, when Zemin gave a speech at the 14th CCP National Congress, and introduced the term “socialist market economy.” The following year, Zemin became President of the People’s Republic of China. 

Jiang Zemin is known for paving the way for the Communist party in China. China experienced substantial economic growth during Zemin’s 10 year term. Zemin was able to improve many international relations and maintain a tight communist control over China. Under Zemin’s control, China was also able to join the World Trade Organization, which is possibly his biggest accomplishment. Many see Zemin’s reign as a rise of corruption and harsh communist rules. Overall, Zemin is seen as an amazing and powerful leader by many.