Jiang Zemin Quotes

You are very familiar with western ways, but you are too young. You go everywhere to follow the big news, but the questions you ask are too simple — sometimes naïve. Understand, or not?

Jiang: I'm anxious for you all, truly. You really... I thought...Every place... You guys are good at one thing. Wherever you go to all over the world, you always run faster than Western journalists. But the questions you keep asking are too simple, sometimes naïve. Understand or not?

Reporters: But could you say why you support Tung Chee-hwa?

Reporters: But what about re-election?

Cheung: But can you...

We want to learn from the west about science and technology and how to manage the economy, but this must be combined with specific conditions here. That's how we have made great progress in the last twenty years.

Jiang: Eh! To serve another term, you must follow the law of Hong Kong, isn't it? You should follow Hong Kong's... Of course, our right to make the decision is also very important. Hong Kong SAR... Special Administrative Region belongs to the Central Government of China... People's Republic [People's Republic of China]. When it gets to the right time, we'll let you know our decision.

Jiang: I just... I just wanted to... that is every time I meet you all, I say, in Chinese we have saying, "make a big fortune quietly." If I had said nothing, that would have been the best. But I thought I've seen all of you so enthusiastic. If I said nothing, that wouldn't be good. So, a moment ago you just insisted... In spreading the news, if your reports are inaccurate, you have to take the responsibility. I did not say I am imperially appointing [Tung]. No such meaning. But you insisted on asking me whether I supported Mr. Tung or not. He is still the current Chief Executive. How could we not support the Chief Executive? Isn't it?

Cheung: Recently the European Union has published a report... er... saying that Beijing will influence and interfere the rule-of-law in Hong Kong in some ways. What's your response to that?

A review of our party's seventy-plus-year history elicits an important conclusion. Our party earned the people's support during the historical periods of revolution, construction and reform because it always represented the requirements for developing China's advanced productive forces, the orientation of China's advanced culture and the fundamental interests of the overwhelming majority of the Chinese people. The party also earned popular support because it fought tirelessly to realize the fundamental interests of the country and the people by formulating a correct line, principles and policies. Today, humanity once again stands at the beginning of a new century and a new millennium. How our party can better effectuate the Three Represents under the new historical conditions is a major issue all Party comrades, especially high-ranking party cadres, must consider deeply.

Cheung: Then why mentioning it so early? Is there any other candidate?

Reporters: But, that is...

Jiang: You all... My feeling is that you the media need to learn more. You are very familiar with the Western set of values, but after all, you guys are too young. Do you understand what I mean? Let me tell you, I've been through hundreds of battles, and I've seen a lot! Which country in the West have I not been to? The media staffs... You should know Mike Wallace in the US. He's way above you all! He and I talked cheerfully and humorously, which is why the media need to raise your knowledge level. Got it or not?

This experience and the historical experiences gained by the Party since its founding can be summarized as follows: Our Party must always represent the requirements for developing China's advanced productive forces, the orientation of China's advanced culture and the fundamental interests of the overwhelming majority of the Chinese people. These are the inexorable requirements for maintaining and developing socialism, and the logical conclusion our Party has reached through hard exploration and great praxis.

Jiang: You all! Naive!