China will hold a cremation ceremony for former Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday, according to the official Xinhua news agency. As a sign of mourning for the “outstanding” leader, flags will be flown at half mast throughout the country. Li, a renowned economist and pro-reform figure, served as premier for a decade before retiring in March. He passed away on Friday due to a heart attack. His remains were transported from Shanghai to Beijing on a special flight. Xinhua praised Li as an excellent member of the Chinese Communist Party, a loyal soldier, and an exceptional leader of the party and the state. The cremation ceremony will take place at Tiananmen Square, the Great Hall of the People, the foreign ministry, local government offices nationwide, and diplomatic missions. Li’s death is considered a significant loss for the Communist Party and the nation, as stated in an official obituary released by Xinhua last week. However, analysts and diplomats note that Li had been marginalized in recent years as President Xi Jinping consolidated his control over economic policymaking. The news was reported by Ryan Woo and Ethan Wang, with editing by Robert Birsel.
China to hold cremation ceremony for esteemed leader Li Keqiang this Thursday
