Building a Power Base: Jiang Zemin and the Post-Deng Succession

Abstract

This paper is a study of Jiang Zemin’s attempts to secure his position as the “core” of the “third-generation” leadership. First, the power base-building methods used by previous “designated successors,” namely Hua Guofeng, Hu Yaobang, and Zhao Ziyang, are examined. Jiang’s strategy prior to the end of 1996 is then analyzed by investigating his attempts to build support in each of the main bureaucratic systems in China, as well as his more general efforts to establish himself as a “legitimate” leader It will be seen that the basis of Jiang’s approach during this period was to strengthen the party affairs system. He also built support in each of the other areas by appealing to existing bureaucratic interests, engaging in structural reform, and changing personnel. Moreover he used his links with first-generation revolutionaries and a personality cult to establish himself as a “legitimate” leader Jiang was very successful in these activities, emerging as at least the “first among equals” in the Chinese system. Jiang’s strong position has meant he has been able to use the recent death of Deng Xiaoping to further increase his preeminence. Deng’s death has also shown that Jiang has the confidence in the security of his own position to begin to challenge some of the interests he previously played to.