Jiang Zemin's leadership, forged by struggle and pride

Ex-president found his footing as China rose in the world

20221201N Jiang Zemin

Chinese President Jiang Zemin, left, and U.S. President Bill Clinton hold a news conference in Washington in October 1997. © Reuters

HIROYUKI AKITA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Former Chinese President Jiang Zemin opened his country up to the world and expanded its military, paving the way for it to become a global superpower. He also stoked patriotism and raised historical grievances against Japan to bolster national unity.

In short, Jiang, who died Wednesday, had a resume full of accomplishments worthy of historians' scrutiny. 

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