Former China leader Jiang Zemin dies, aged 96

Former Chinese leader Jiang Zemin died at the age of 96, state media reported, hailing him as a great communist revolutionary who helped quell the 1989 pro-democracy protests.

Jiang took power in the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, in which the military used deadly force to end peaceful demonstrations, and led China towards its emergence as a global economic powerhouse.

Jiang Zemin passed away due to leukaemia and multiple organ failure in Shanghai at the age of 96, it was announced.

Jiang's death comes as China sees a flare-up of anti-Covid lockdown protests that have morphed into calls for more political freedoms -- the most widespread since the 1989 pro-democracy rallies.

During the serious political turmoil in China in the spring and summer of 1989, Jiang Zemin supported and implemented the correct decision of the Party Central Committee to oppose unrest, defend the socialist state power and safeguard the fundamental interests of the people.

Analysts say Jiang and his "Shanghai Gang" faction continued to exert influence over communist politics long after he left the top job, including in the selection of Xi Jinping as leader in 2012.

Concerns over Jiang's health had been raised when he did not attend the opening or closing ceremonies of last month's Communist Party Congress, at which Xi was granted a historic third term.

Flags would be flown at half-mast at Chinese government buildings until the funeral.