Top state leaders attended the funeral of the reform pioneer, who passed away last week at the age of 97.
Read more A Lithuanian detained and imprisoned in Belarus, who led a wood processing company
Zhu Rongji, known for his decisive restructuring of China’s economy during his five-year term as premier starting in 1998, was described in a state news agency Xinhua report on his death on Wednesday as an “outstanding proletarian revolutionary and statesman.”
On Tuesday in Beijing, flags were lowered at government buildings and Tiananmen Square, a highly secured central location in the capital, AFP journalists reported.
On social media, the former premier’s tribute at Tiananmen Square became the most popular topic on China’s social networking site Weibo.
“Thank you for everything you did for this land – we will always remember you,” wrote one Weibo user.
According to state broadcaster CCTV, the deceased’s remains were cremated on Tuesday, and the farewell ceremony was attended by senior leaders of the ruling Communist Party, including President Xi Jinping.
“Zhu Rongji’s remains rested among fresh flowers and evergreen cypress branches, covered with the bright red flag of the Chinese Communist Party,” CCTV reported.
Read more «Wargaming Vilnius» manager changes
At about 9:30 a.m. (4:30 a.m. Lithuanian time) local time, Xi and other leaders, including Premier Li Qiang, “slowly approached the remains of their friend Zhu Rongji to the sound of funeral music,” the report added.
CCTV stated that they “stood silently, bowed three times to honor the deceased, and shook hands with the family members of their friend Zhu Rongji,” expressing condolences.
Born in 1928 in central China, Zhu Rongji later rose through the party ranks after the 1949 revolution led by Mao Zedong. He served as mayor of Shanghai, vice premier, and premier of the country.
His leadership period coincided with the presidency of economic reformer Jiang Zemin, who died in 2022.
Zhu Rongji became famous for his determined fight against corruption, the controversial liquidation of inefficient state-owned enterprises, and China’s integration into the global economy.
When once asked by a journalist how he wished to be remembered, Zhu Rongji replied: “I only hope that after I step down, people across the country will say: ‘He was an honest official, not corrupt,’ and I will be very satisfied with that.”
Read more French pork steak: this Stasė’s recipe will turn lunch into a real celebration
