Who Is Jiang Zemin? Age, Biography and Wiki
Jiang Zemin, born on August 17, 1926, served as the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party from 1989 to 2002. In 2025, he is 98 years old. His tenure marked a significant period in China's history, during which he helped modernize the country's economy and solidify its standing on the global stage. Jiang was known for his efforts in navigating the complex landscape of Chinese politics and for championing policies that promoted economic liberalization.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 17, 1926 |
| Age | 96 Years |
| Birth Place | Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | China |
| Date of death | 30 November, 2022 |
| Died Place | Jing'an District, Shanghai, China |
Popularity
Jiang Zemin's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific height and weight measurements for Jiang Zemin are rarely publicized, he was reported to have a commanding presence during his political career. As a leader, his stature was enhanced not just by physical attributes but by his influential position within the Chinese government.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Jiang Zemin was married to Wang Yeping. The couple has one son, Jiang Mianheng, who is known for his significant contributions to technology and entrepreneurship in China. Jiang Zemin is known to keep much of his personal life private, and as of 2025, he is a widower after the passing of Wang Yeping in 2022.
His ancestral home was the Jiangcun Village in Jingde County, Anhui. This was also the hometown of a number of prominent figures in Chinese academic and intellectual establishments. Jiang grew up during the years of Japanese occupation.
His uncle and foster father, Jiang Shangqing, died fighting the Japanese and was considered in Jiang Zemin's time to be a national hero. After Shangqing's death, Zemin became his male heir.
Net Worth and Salary
Throughout his political career and following his retirement, Jiang Zemin accumulated a substantial net worth. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is approximately $30 million. This wealth is attributed to his political positions and subsequent investments. His salary during his time in office was substantial, although exact figures are often debated due to the opaque nature of public salaries in China.
In the early 1990s, post-Tiananmen economic reforms by Vice Premier and later Premier Zhu Rongji with Jiang's support had stabilized and the country was on a consistent growth trajectory. At the same time, China faced myriad economic and social problems. At Deng's state funeral in 1997, Jiang delivered the elder statesman's eulogy.
Jiang had inherited a China rampant with political corruption, and regional economies growing too rapidly for the stability of the entire country. Deng's policy that "some areas can get rich before others" led to an opening wealth gap between coastal regions and the interior provinces.
Career, Business and Investments
Jiang Zemin's career is marked by his rise through the ranks of the Communist Party, showcasing his leadership in reforming China's economic policies. After retiring from politics, his focus shifted towards business and investments in sectors such as technology and construction. He is credited with promoting high-tech industries and has continued to influence various business sectors even post-retirement.
Born in Yangzhou, Jiangsu, Jiang joined the CCP while he was in college.
After the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, he received training at the Stalin Automobile Works in Moscow in the 1950s, later returning to Shanghai in 1962 to serve in various institutes, later being sent between 1970 and 1972 to Romania as part of an expert team to establish machinery manufacturing plants in the country.
After 1979, he was appointed as the vice chair of two commissions by vice premier Gu Mu to oversee the newly established special economic zones (SEZs). He became the vice minister of the newly established Ministry of Electronics Industry and a member of the CCP Central Committee in 1982.
Social Network
Jiang Zemin’s presence on social media is minimal, reflecting the norm for politicians of his stature in China. Even in 2025, public figures like Jiang often communicate through state-run news networks rather than personal social media accounts. However, his legacy is still discussed in many online platforms and forums, especially regarding his impact on modern China.
Jiang was appointed as general secretary at the fourth plenum of the Thirteenth Central Committee on 24 June 1989 with a fairly small power base inside the party, and thus, very little actual power. His most reliable allies were the powerful party elders Chen Yun and Li Xiannian.
He was believed to be simply a transitional figure until a more stable successor government to Deng could be put in place. Other prominent Party and military figures like President Yang Shangkun and his brother Yang Baibing were believed to be planning a coup.
Education
Jiang Zemin received his education at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. His academic background played a crucial role in shaping his approach to promoting technological advancement and modernization in China during his leadership.
Jiang was appointed as the mayor of Shanghai in 1985, later being promoted to its Communist Party secretary, as well as a member of the CCP Politburo, in 1987.
Jiang came to power unexpectedly as a compromise candidate following the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre, when he replaced Zhao Ziyang as CCP general secretary after Zhao was ousted for his support for the student movement.
As the involvement of the Eight Elders in Chinese politics steadily declined, Jiang consolidated his hold on power to become the "paramount leader" in the country during the 1990s.
Urged by Deng Xiaoping's southern tour in 1992, Jiang officially introduced the term socialist market economy in his speech during the 14th CCP National Congress held later that year, which accelerated opening up and reform.
