Former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, known for his moderate reformist policies and economic management, will be cremated in Beijing on Thursday, according to an official announcement made a few days after his sudden demise due to a heart attack.
Li aged 68, was considered a contender for leadership against Chinese President Xi Jinping a decade ago but later settled for the number two position as the premier from March 2013 to March 2023. His unexpected passing has been described as a significant loss in an obituary issued by the Chinese Communist Party (CPC), the Cabinet, and Parliament. He was praised for his commitment as a CPC member, a loyal communist, and a remarkable leader of the Party and the state.
The national flags across various locations, including Tian'anmen Square, the Great Hall of the People, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provincial and municipal governments, as well as Chinese embassies and consulates, will fly at half-mast to mourn his passing. Thousands of people visited Li's hometown in Hefei, Anhui province, to pay their respects.
The Chinese government has reportedly discouraged student organizations in certain Chinese universities from organizing private commemoration events for Li to prevent potential social unrest. This precaution echoes earlier measures taken to avoid student protests at Tian'anmen Square in 1989 after the death of moderate Communist Party chief Hu Yaobang.
Li's reputation as a moderate reformist earned him the admiration of the Chinese populace, particularly for his adept management of the economy during his decade-long tenure. Despite his position as the second-ranking leader in the Chinese Communist Party, Li concentrated on economic management while Xi emerged as the most influential leader, overseeing the Party, the military, and the Presidency.
The funeral protocol for Li will be similar to that of former Premier Li Peng, who passed away in 2019. It involves party and state leaders bidding farewell before the cremation but without a top-level memorial meeting in Beijing.
In China, the hierarchical formalities dictate that only top leaders are entitled to full honors, including a televised memorial meeting across the country. Following Chinese tradition, the remains of leaders usually rest at home or a funeral parlor for seven days to allow family and friends to pay tribute.
The CPC appears to be adhering to precedents to ensure consistency and prevent speculation surrounding Li's unexpected death. Deng Yuwen, a former deputy editor of Study Times, the official newspaper of the Central Party School, suggested that the Central Committee's General Office is carefully following established protocols to avoid unnecessary speculation, especially given the opacity of elite politics in China.
Political commentator Chen Daoyin emphasized the importance of a proper funeral protocol in addressing concerns among liberals, allowing people to pay tribute to Li Keqiang freely while keeping a watchful eye on universities.
