Zhu Rongji (朱鎔基), the former Premier of China who led the country's economic reforms, will be cremated in Beijing on August 18. Flags will be flown at half-mast at major government offices across China, as well as in Hong Kong, Macau, and overseas embassies.
According to the state-run Xinhua News Agency, Zhu's cremation is set for August 18. The Chinese Communist Party has recognized him as a key leader of the party and the nation and has officially begun mourning procedures.
On August 18, flags will be lowered at Tiananmen Square, Xinhua Gate, the Great Hall of the People, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing. Additionally, local party and government offices in provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, as well as in Hong Kong, Macau, and Chinese embassies abroad, will also observe the mourning.
Zhu passed away on August 12 at the age of 98 while receiving treatment in Beijing. He served as Premier from 1998 to 2003, during which he oversaw the restructuring of state-owned enterprises and government reforms. He also played a pivotal role in leading China's negotiations for entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Following Zhu's death, the Chinese leadership is conducting extensive mourning activities, coinciding with the 100th birthday celebration of former President Jiang Zemin (1926–2022).
A commemorative event for Jiang's centenary will take place on August 17 at 10 a.m. at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where President Xi Jinping is expected to deliver a speech.
Jiang Zemin rose to prominence in 1989 as General Secretary of the Communist Party and Chairman of the Central Military Commission. He stepped down as General Secretary in 2002 and passed away in Shanghai in 2022 at the age of 96.
Both Zhu and Jiang led China during a critical period of market economic reforms and opening up to the outside world. While Zhu was responsible for implementing economic reforms and opening policies, Jiang served as the top political leader guiding the country's political and economic direction at the time.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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