China to Lower Flags for Former Premier Zhu Rongji's Funeral

China will observe a day of mourning on Tuesday as former Premier Zhu Rongji is cremated in Beijing. National flags will be flown at half-mast across the country, including in Hong Kong, Macau, and at Chinese embassies and consulates worldwide, state media reported on Sunday.

A Farewell to the "Economic Tsar"

Zhu Rongji, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 97, was a transformative figure in modern Chinese history. Serving as premier from 1998 to 2003, he spearheaded the country’s shift towards a market-based economy. His tenure is particularly remembered for overhauling state-owned enterprises and leading China’s accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001, a milestone that cemented the nation’s role in the global economy.

Mourning Protocols Across Regions

In Hong Kong, both national and regional flags will be lowered at key government sites, including Government House, border checkpoints, and Hong Kong International Airport. This protocol mirrors similar tributes for former premiers Li Keqiang, who passed away in 2023, and Li Peng, who died in 2019.

Flags will also be lowered at Beijing’s iconic Tiananmen Square and provincial government buildings across mainland China. Macau will join the observance, ensuring the tribute extends to all corners of the country.

Why It Matters

Zhu’s economic reforms and leadership during a critical period of China’s modernization left an indelible mark on the nation’s development. His policies not only stabilized the economy but also laid the groundwork for China’s emergence as a global economic powerhouse. The national mourning highlights the enduring respect for his legacy.

Zhu’s funeral and the accompanying tributes underscore the significance of his contributions to China’s transformation, both domestically and on the world stage.

Source: South China Morning Post