China Holds Low‑Key Funeral for Former Premier Zhu Rongji

Sun Sep 06 2026 12:39:12 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

China tightens censors as it holds a low‑key funeral for former premier Zhu Rongji, sparking debate over public grieving and political narrative.

Flags fell to half‑mast over government sites and security cars lined Beijing as the nation bade farewell to 97‑year‑old Zhu Rongji, a key architect of China’s early 2000s economic reforms. The funeral at Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery was attended by senior leaders, including President Xi Jinping, but no footage was released and the ceremony remained subdued. State media praised Zhu’s loyalty while cautioning that public mourning can turn into criticism of the current regime. The removal of an economist’s essay about the era’s hope over WeChat underscores the regime’s sensitivity to nostalgia. As China faces slower growth and demographic challenges, the mourning of Zhu and Jiang Zemin evokes a longing for a time when hard work promised a brighter future, contrasting sharply with Xi’s emphasis on state‑driven technologic autonomy.

China holds low‑key funeral for former premier Zhu Rongji

Flags fell to half‑mast over government buildings and security cars lined the streets of Beijing as the country bade farewell to 97‑year‑old Zhu Rongji, a key architect of China’s 2000s economic reforms.

The funeral took place at Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery and drew senior leaders – including President Xi Jinping – but no lavish displays or public speeches were broadcast. Cut‑scene footage remains unseen.

State media praised Zhu as an “outstanding member of the Chinese Communist Party” and “loyal fighter”, while subtly reminding the public that public mourning can easily become a channel for criticism of the current regime.

A short essay by economist Zhao Jian – lamenting the loss of an era of hard work and hope – was quickly removed from WeChat the day after posting.

The passing of Zhu, alongside the death of Jiang Zemin two weeks earlier, sparked nostalgia for a period when China was seen as opening up, with rumours of a freer future. The new leadership under Xi has tightened control and focused on tech self‑reliance.

Society must now navigate the tension between economic slowdown, housing price crashes, and rising unemployment while preserving memories of the past era’s optimism.