'He's getting younger': China netizens go wild after seeing former president Jiang Zemin

There are plenty of things on the world wide web that can keep netizens entertained.

But someone in particular lit up China's internet recently, and he is none other than the country's former president Jiang Zemin.

The man is rarely seen in public and is speculated to be dead every few months - that's right, the poor guy has to put up with such rumours that often.

His most recent appearance that sent the internet into a tizzy took place on Oct 18 at Beijing's Great Hall of the People, where president Xi Jinping delivered a three-hour address.

The former statesman was seen checking his watch 10 times before the person who was keeping track finally lost count.

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That's not the only reason why many couldn't take their eyes off him.

Netizens were surprised at how youthful Jiang looked for his ripe old age of 91.

"He's getting younger and younger each time I see him," wrote one user on Sina Weibo.

"We need to learn his secret for longevity, it belongs to the people!" said another user.

Jiang was also seen using a magnifying glass to read a printout.

He was then caught yawning at other times - as if checking his watch multiple times wasn't enough of a hint of how he felt throughout the lengthy speech.

For those wondering, he did doze off at one point. 

The former party chief, who rose to power in 1989 and effectively ruled China till 2004, has remained a subject of adulation over the years.

He's especially popular amongst the younger crowd, with some fans affectionately calling him "frog" because of his wide grin and signature oversized, black-rimmed glasses.

ssandrea@sph.com.sg