Xi praises Jiang over Hong Kong return and 1992 Consensus
Bastillepost · 5 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
At a commemorative meeting in Beijing on August 17 marking the 100th anniversary of former president Jiang Zemin’s birth, Xi Jinping delivered a major speech reviewing Jiang’s political legacy and calling on party members to learn from his strategic thinking, resolve and loyalty. Xi said Jiang led the smooth return of Hong Kong and Macau, promoted the “1992 Consensus” embodying the one-China principle, and played a central role in reform, opening up and national development during a turbulent period.
Key Points
- The commemoration for Jiang Zemin’s 100th birth anniversary was held at 10am on August 17 in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, with Xi Jinping attending and speaking.
- Xi described Jiang as the core of the Communist Party’s third-generation central leadership and the principal founder of the “Three Represents” thought.
- Xi said Jiang led the smooth return of Hong Kong and Macau, advanced the “1992 Consensus,” and pursued major anti-secession and anti-“Taiwan independence” struggles.
- Reviewing 1989, Xi said Jiang firmly supported and carried out the central leadership’s decisions during the serious political turmoil and helped maintain stability in Shanghai.
- Xi also credited Jiang with resisting the Asian financial crisis, securing victory in the 1998 flood-fighting campaign, and supporting China’s entry into the World Trade Organization.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, Xi’s remarks place the 1997 handover firmly within the official legacy being attached to Jiang ahead of a broader narrative about sovereignty, stability and national development. The speech also links Hong Kong and Macau’s return with Beijing’s current cross-strait and anti-secession messaging, showing how historical anniversaries are being used to reinforce present political priorities.