Former Chinese president Jiang Zemin, widely regarded as a powerful backroom operator in the ruling Communist Party of China, has praised President Xi Jinping by calling him a capable and intelligent leader.
Jiang, the only former Communist Party leader, who continues to play a major role in the party despite his retirement a decade ago in an usual practice met former US state secretary Henry Kissenger early this month during which he complemented Xi's leadership.
At the meeting, Jiang repeatedly praised President Xi for acting decisively when dealing with recent unrest in the Muslim Uygur native province of Xinjiang which witnessed terrorist attacks resulting in the death of 35 police and civilians.
"A vast country like China needs a strong leader. [It] inevitably will have all kinds of problems...What is important is that they be dealt with decisively," he reported to have said.
"Xi Jinping is a very capable and intelligent state leader," he said.
Observers say his complements further consolidate Xi's powerbase in the party and the country.
Xi is regarded as more powerful than his successor as he began his 10 year tenure this year as President, Army Chief and General Secretary of the Party.
Hu, who succeeded Jiang as President, became the head of the military two years after taking office as the latter held that post retaining his power base.
At his meeting, Kissenger, Jiang also reportedly underlined the importance of friendly Sino-US relations by commenting favourably on the two-day summit between Xi and US President Barack Obama in California back in June.
Xi and Barack Obama "exchanged opinions on many important issues, which was very beneficial in promoting Sino-US relation. As long as both of our countries maintain a frank dialogue, we can foresee a bright future for the world," he reported to have said.
