China censors public mourning as it holds former premier's funeral
China is holding a low-key funeral for former Premier Zhu Rongji while simultaneously censoring public mourning and online discourse. The government fears that nostalgia for Zhu's era of economic reform could evolve into criticism of current President Xi Jinping's leadership.
Why it matters
This highlights the Chinese government's ongoing struggle to control historical narratives and suppress potential dissent during sensitive political transitions.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Zhu Rongji served as China's premier from 1998 to 2003, leading China through a series of key economic reforms
Flags at government sites are flying at half-mast and security vehicles are parked in the heart of Beijing, as China mourns former Premier Zhu Rongji.
Zhu died of an illness last week at 97, and will be cremated at a funeral in Beijing on Tuesday. There has not been footage from the ceremony, which is being kept low-key.
Zhu, who served as China's premier from 1998 to 2003, is remembered as one of the country's most important economic reformers.
While hailing the late premier as a "loyal" party member, the Chinese state is also wary that public mourning for his era of reform can easily turn into veiled criticisms of the current government, under Xi Jinping.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in