China begins commemorations for Jiang Zemin centenary

China has commenced a series of major commemorations to mark the centenary of former President Jiang Zemin’s birth. As part of the program, state broadcaster CCTV has begun airing a 12-part documentary titled ‘Jiang Zemin’. The series, jointly produced by the Communist Party’s Central Publicity Department, the Institute of Party History and Literature, and CCTV, is being broadcast during prime time with two episodes shown nightly.

The documentary traces Jiang’s political trajectory, including his early career in Changchun and his time working in Romania. It highlights his rise through the party and government during the 1970s and 1980s, his role in promoting the electronics industry, and his leadership in Shanghai before becoming Communist Party chief in 1989.

The commemorations are expected to culminate in a grand ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, presided over by President Xi Jinping. The event is anticipated to draw top leadership, including members of the Politburo, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission.