Former Chinese Leader Jiang Zemin Rumored to Be Dead

The Takeaway

Chinese state media is denying reports this morning that Jiang Zemin is dead. The 84-year-old became China’s leader in 1989, and  shepherded the country through its  unprecedented economic boom before handing power to President Hu Jintao between 2002 and 2004. The BBC is reporting that internet searches for Jiang’s name have been blocked. Martin Patience, correspondent for the BBC, reports on the latest from Beijing.

Invest in independent global news

The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!