China lowers flags, tightens security for former premier Zhu Rongji's funeral

China extinguished the flame of former Premier Zhu Rongji's body in a solemn state funeral on Tuesday (Aug 18), lowering the national flag in mourning for the pragmatic reformer who passed away at the age of 97. The city of Beijing was enveloped in tight security, especially around Tiananmen Square and the seat of power Zhongnanhai, along the route to Babaoshan crematorium.

Presidents Xi Jinping and Hu Jintao, along with six members of the Politburo standing committee, observed a moment of silence and paid their respects by making three bows before Zhu's cremation at the Beijing cemetery for top officials and national heroes, according to official news agency Xinhua. Hu Jintao, now 83, had recently missed several public events.

A wreath of condolences was sent by former President Hu Jintao. Zhu Rongji, who served as vice premier from 1991 to 1998 and premier from 1998 to 2003, played a crucial role in China's economic transformation during the 1990s. He tackled inflation, streamlined tax and banking systems, and spearheaded the overhaul of the state sector, resulting in the elimination of millions of jobs in unprofitable firms.

These reforms paved the way for China's accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001, signaling the nation's integration into the global economy. Zhu once stated, "My defining trait – my guiding principle – is independent thinking," during a speech in Shanghai in 1988, before becoming the mayor of the commercial hub.