China commemorates birth centenary of late leader Jiang Zemin

In China on 17 August 2026, the country commemorated the 100th anniversary of the birth of the late leader Jiang Zemin. Xi urged advancing socialism with Chinese characteristics at the event. The Asahi Shimbun reports it was the first centenary commemoration meeting for a leader other than the founding-era leaders. CNN reports Xi said China needs an 'indomitable fighting spirit' and praised the Tiananmen crackdown.

On the diplomatic side, Kommersant and Lenta.ru report Trump announced talks with Xi at the White House on 24 September, and Il Giornale says Xi is choosing to skip the UN. Separately, Gulf Times reports China mourned former premier Zhu Rongji with flags lowered and a funeral.