Jiang Death Injects Risk for Xi at Fraught Time in China
- Ex-president died as Beijing grapples with broad discontent
- Memorials for former leader could spur impromptu protests
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The death of former Chinese leader Jiang Zemin poses yet another challenge for Xi Jinping, providing a potential rallying point for people disillusioned by stringent Covid Zero measures and a flagging economy.
Jiang’s death at the age of 96, which was announced by state media Wednesday, comes days after people took to the streets to challenge virus curbs in China’s most widespread protests in decades. While the demonstrations have since subsided, efforts to mourn the fallen leader who took steps to open the Asian nation to the world could provide a fresh impetus for gatherings that turn into a platform to criticize Xi.