Former Chinese President Jiang Zemin, who took office following the Tiananmen Square riots, passed away at the age of 96.
According to state media, he passed away in Shanghai on Wednesday shortly after 12:00 local time (04:00 GMT).
Jiang ruled during a period of broad opening and rapid economic expansion in China.
His passing occurs at a time when Covid restrictions are the focus of some of the most significant protests China has seen since Tiananmen.
Leukemia and multiple organ failure were listed as the cause of death in a Chinese Communist Party announcement.
He was acknowledged as “an outstanding leader with high prestige” and “a long-tested Communist fighter,” it was further stated.
