CCTV broadcasts documentary series commemorating Jiang Zemin

CCTV has begun broadcasting a 12-episode documentary series titled ‘Jiang Zemin’ to commemorate the centenary of the former Chinese leader's birth. The series, airing in two-episode daily increments, reviews key historical periods of his administration, including the response to the Asian financial crisis, state-owned enterprise reforms, and the 1999 crackdown on Falun Gong.

The documentary also covers the aftermath of the U.S. bombing of the Chinese embassy in Yugoslavia and Jiang's role in advancing military construction and defense technology after succeeding Deng Xiaoping as Chairman of the Central Military Commission.

Observers note that the high-profile commemoration, which includes a major memorial service at the Great Hall of the People, may serve as a significant political event. There is speculation regarding the attendance of various high-ranking retired officials and the broader implications for current political dynamics within the Chinese Communist Party.