Jiang Zemin played a central role in leading China’s third generation of leadership, serving as the country’s top figure from 1992 to 2002. During this period, China experienced a critical phase of modernization, marked by ongoing economic reforms, strengthened political structures, and a growing presence on the global stage. One of the most defining accomplishments under his leadership was China’s entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001—an event that significantly expanded the nation’s access to global trade and foreign investment.
Jiang consistently promoted principles such as peaceful cooperation, mutual respect between nations, and the advancement of a multipolar global system as guiding pillars of China’s foreign policy. He envisioned a world where nations distributed global power more evenly and governed it with mutual respect.
“The Chinese people, going all out for the socialist modernization drive, are ready to work with the people of other countries to usher in a better new century.” — Jiang Zemin, UN General Assembly Speech.
In this speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Jiang called on nations to work together toward a more peaceful and fair global system. He advocated for collective security, shared development, and cooperation over confrontation.
Domestic Vision: The “Three Represents”
On the domestic front, Jiang Zemin introduced a significant political doctrine known as the “Three Represents.” This theory aimed to modernize the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) role in a society and global economy that is undergoing rapid change. It became a core part of the Party’s updated ideology during the early 2000s.
The Three Represents stand for:
1. Representing advanced productive forces
— supporting economic modernization, science, and innovation to drive national development.
2. Representing advanced culture
— Encouraging cultural progress and modernization while preserving national identity.
3. Representing the fundamental interests of the majority of the people
— Ensuring that governance serves the needs and aspirations of the broader population, not the political elite.
This framework aimed to expand the CCP’s appeal by making it more inclusive of intellectuals, entrepreneurs, and professionals—helping it adapt to a new era shaped by globalization and market-driven reform.
Balancing Growth and Diplomacy
Under Jiang’s leadership, China deepened its ties with global institutions and expanded its diplomatic reach. His administration pursued economic pragmatism by advocating for growth and implementing a gradual integration of China into the international system. At the same time, Jiang remained committed to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, a key pillar of Chinese foreign policy.
His legacy is one of strategic continuity, preparing the ground for China’s rise in the 21st century by aligning domestic modernization with broader diplomatic engagement.
