Chinese leader, Jiang Zemin, dies at 96

Chinese authorities on Wednesday revealed that death of a former leader, Jiang Zemin, on Wednesday at the age of 96.

China’s state news, Xinhua reported that “Jiang Zemin passed away due to leukemia and multiple organ failure in Shanghai at 12:13 p.m. on Novemebr 30, 2022, at the age of 96, it was announced on Wednesday.”

Xinhua disclosed that the announcement of the death of Zemin was made in a letter expressing “profound grief” at Jiang’s death, addressed to the whole Communist Party, military and Chinese people. Thew report added that his death occurred after all medical treatments failed.

It was noted: “Comrade Jiang Zemin was an outstanding leader… a great Marxist, a great proletarian revolutionary, statesman, military strategist and diplomat, a long-tested communist fighter, and an outstanding leader of the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.”

State braodcaster CCTV on Wednesday stated: “During the serious political turmoil in China in the spring and summer of 1989, Comrade Jiang Zemin supported and implemented the correct decision of the Party Central Committee to oppose unrest, defend the socialist state power and safeguard the fundamental interests of the people.”

State broadcaster CCTV also said that flags would be flown at half-mast at Chinese government buildings.

Jiang replaced Deng Xiaoping as leader in China in1989, in the early stages of economic modernisation.

Jiang is survived by his wife Wang Yeping and two sons.