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Xi Jinping Attends Zhu Rongji Funeral, Cremation Held

8/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

China cremated former Premier Zhu Rongji, 97, on Tuesday with President Xi Jinping present.
Security sealed Tiananmen Square and Zhongnanhai as the funeral cortege proceeded to Babaoshan crematorium.
Zhu’s 1990s reforms curbed inflation, tightened tax and banking, reshaped sector and helped China join the WTO in 2001.
Former President Hu Jintao, 83, sent a condolence wreath, while media showed mixed reactions that praised Zhu’s reforms and blamed him for layoffs.

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Story summary

China cremated former Premier Zhu Rongji, 97, on Tuesday with President Xi Jinping present.
Security sealed Tiananmen Square and Zhongnanhai as the funeral cortege proceeded to Babaoshan crematorium.
Zhu’s 1990s reforms curbed inflation, tightened tax and banking, reshaped sector and helped China join the WTO in 2001.
Former President Hu Jintao, 83, sent a condolence wreath, while media showed mixed reactions that praised Zhu’s reforms and blamed him for layoffs.