China is mourning the death of former Premier Zhu Rongji, who passed away at 97. His funeral, attended by top officials including President Xi Jinping, was conducted discreetly in Beijing, with no media coverage allowed. Zhu is remembered for his significant role in economic reforms during his tenure from 1998 to 2003.
Authorities are cautious about public sentiment surrounding Zhu's legacy, fearing that nostalgia for his reformist era could lead to criticism of the current leadership under Xi. The state media has praised Zhu as a loyal party member while managing the narrative around his passing.
Watch for how Zhu Rongji's legacy influences public discourse in China. As nostalgia for his reformist era grows, the government may tighten censorship to quell dissent. Observers should monitor state media narratives and public sentiment in the coming weeks.