China closely monitors public mourning for former Premier Zhu Rongji, fearing dissent

China is exercising strict oversight over public mourning for former Premier Zhu Rongji, concerned that these activities could inadvertently become a platform for expressing discontent with current President Xi Jinping. The government has praised Zhu as a "loyal communist warrior," but its cautious approach to public commemorations underscores the delicate political landscape surrounding the passing of prominent former leaders.

In Zhu's ancestral home in Hunan, authorities placed dozens of plainclothes police officers and local officials to monitor citizens laying flowers at his former residence. Access to the main entrance of the "Tianyuan" residence was blocked, with officials allowing people to hand over flowers to staff for placement. Local officials cited Zhu's family's wish for a "low-key" commemoration, while a police officer suggested the flowers were moved to prevent them from being damaged by chickens.

Zhu Rongji, who served as premier from 1998 to 2003, is remembered for his efforts to liberalize markets and privatize or merge inefficient state-owned enterprises. This legacy positions him as a potential symbol for those critical of Xi Jinping's recentralization of economic and social control. The official obituary, released by the Communist Party's central committee, carefully lauded Zhu's contributions to financial market and state-owned enterprise reform, emphasizing his work under the "strong leadership of the Party Central Committee" and his "resolute support" for current leaders, while omitting controversial aspects like the widespread job losses resulting from his reforms.

Scholars note the Chinese Communist Party's desire to control historical narratives. The death of a popular former leader presents a challenge to the current leadership, which is adept at managing and controlling public discourse. The authorities are expected to proactively shape the narrative surrounding Zhu's legacy to align with their political objectives.

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The CCP is eager to establish its own interpretation of history. The death of a high-ranking leader loved by the people is a challenge for the current leadership. They are very familiar with how to supervise and control public discourse. I am sure they are ready to get ahead of the narrative.