The Era of Jiang Zemin Book

This book is the Western world's first in-depth look at the Chinese President Jiang Zemin - one of the most influential leaders in the world - in terms of his personality, philosophy and statecraft. Readers will understand developments in China in key arenas such as politics and leadership issues, economic policy and social problems, as well as new ideas and trends for the new century. Events from the mid-1990s to Beijing's response to the Asian financial crisis are covered in the book. The book affords readers a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse at Communist party politics in action. The author draws on interviews with hundreds of cadres, civil servants, academics, diplomats, businessmen, and other China experts in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzen, and Hong Kong. These first-hand in-depth investigations are turned into perceptive observations and well-argued analysis of the Chinese reality thanks to the author's two decades of experience as a China-watcher. Apart from a core chapter on Jiang the politician and the policymaker, there are sections on reform of the economy and the state-owned enterprises; prospects of political liberalisation; the political fortune of different factions in the party; the People's Liberation Army and the "China Threat"; the rising civil society and the "new class" of private entrepreneurs and professionals; the influence of post-1997 Hong Kong on the Mainland; and ideological currents for the 21st Century including nationalism. It ends with an epilogue on the rise of Premier Zhu Rongji - the only cadre who can challenge Jiang's supremacy - and Zhu's masterplan to ensure that China remains "immune" to the Asian economic crisis. The book looks at whether the Communist party leadership with Jiang as its "core" can adequately respond to the challenges of the Asia-Pacific Century and the Information Revolution. Having successfully consolidated his hold over the party, government, and army, Jiang - a largely conservative politician - concentrated power in the party and quashed expressions of dissent with an iron fist. In economic matters, the President gravitates towards pumping resources into around 800 "key" state enterprises in the hope they can rival the zaibatsus and chaebols of Japan and South Korea respectively. Early 1998 has, however, shown indications that Jiang and colleagues like Zhu realised that they must grasp the nettle on reform. Bolder steps are taken in privatising industry and more policy debate among intellectuals are allowed. The Jiang Administration is also under growing pressure from new socio-economic forces - like the civil society and a younger generation of "Westernised" cadres - to introduce deep-rooted changes in the political and economic systems. The book will offer thought-provoking pointers as to whether the Jiang team can enable China to cross new thresholds in the next century.Read More