Jiang Zemin’s ascent to the position of General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party came in the wake of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, which had dominated the political landscape of China. Zhao Ziyang, who had been advocating for political reform and a more liberal stance towards the demonstrators, was ousted from power as the party sought a figure who could signal resilience and loyalty to the establishment. The protests were characterized by a mix of demands for greater political freedoms and social justice, culminating in a government crackdown that resulted in numerous casualties and widespread condemnation from the international community.

As Jiang took on the party’s leadership role, he represented a new generation of Chinese leaders, imbued with a more technocratic approach as well as a keen focus on economic modernization. His policies would ultimately prioritize economic growth over political reform, establishing a trajectory that would redefine China’s relationship with the world. Jiang’s leadership style emphasized stability and control, thus consolidating power within the Communist Party and reinforcing its authority during a time of potential instability and dissent.

This period laid the groundwork for major economic reforms and integration into the global economy. Jiang's tenure is marked by significant transformations in China's economy, shifting from a strictly planned economy to one incorporating market reforms. Hence, Jiang Zemin's rise not only highlighted the shifting dynamics within the Communist Party but also initiated a transition that would have far-reaching implications for China's development and its interactions on the global stage.