Jiang Zemin

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Jiang Zemin (1926) Chinese statesman, general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (1989–2002). A cautious proponent of reform, he was elected to the central committee in 1982, and served as mayor of Shanghai (1985–88). Jiang replaced Zhao Ziyang as general secretary. In 1997, he succeeded Deng Xiaoping as China's paramount leader. In 2003, Jiang Zemin was succeeded by Hu Jintao.

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