Jiang Zemin re-enters public life with energy strategy paper

Former Chinese president Jiang Zemin has released a 16-page academic paper on national energy strategy arguing that energy conservation should be the country’s top priority, the South China Morning Post reported. The paper, which is the first public statement made by Jiang since his official retirement in 2004, was discussed at a seminar by the executive arm of the newly formed Energy Commission and promptly reported to top Communist Party leadership in Beijing. Retired Chinese leaders have seldom commented publicly about national affairs. Some analysts believe that Jiang’s suggestions could be seen to be undermining the leadership of President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao as China faces a diplomatic crisis sparked by protests over Beijing’s handling of the riots in Tibet.