China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reports former Chinese President Jiang Zemin has died of leukemia.
He was 96 years old.

Jiang was appointed to the Communist Party's top post of general secretary and chairman of the Central Military Commission in 1989.

He was chosen by Supreme Leader Deng Xiaoping. He replaced Zhao Ziyang, who was ousted for sympathizing with pro-democracy protests at Tiananmen Square in June of that year.

In 1993, Jiang became China's president. With Deng's support, Jiang prioritized growth, promoting economic reforms and an open-door policy.

In 1998, Jiang visited Japan for the first time since taking office. During the trip, he expressed hardline views on historical differences between the two countries.

Back in China, Jiang ordered government officials to step up patriotic education. Experts say this played a role in escalating anti-Japan sentiment among the Chinese public.

In 2004, he handed power to Hu Jintao and retired from politics, but was still influential until recently.
However, analysts say his influence declined as President Xi Jinping consolidated power over the party.