The recent passing of former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji has sparked a wave of reflection and nostalgia among the Chinese populace, prompting a unique blend of public mourning and state-mandated censorship. Zhu, a key figure in China's economic reforms, has left behind a legacy that contrasts sharply with the current political climate under Xi Jinping's leadership.
The Legacy of Zhu Rongji
Zhu Rongji's era, from 1998 to 2003, was marked by significant economic reforms. He oversaw the shuttering of unprofitable state firms, the establishment of a commercial property market, and China's entry into global trade, including its accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001. These reforms were not without their challenges, but they set China on a path of rapid economic growth.
What's particularly fascinating about Zhu's legacy is his style of leadership. He was known for his direct and often humorous approach, unafraid to speak his mind. In a time where candor is rare, Zhu's straightforwardness stands out. For instance, his description of flood dykes as "flimsy and porous as tofu dregs" is a memorable example of his bluntness.
A Time of Hope and Change
The era of Zhu Rongji and his predecessor, Jiang Zemin, is remembered as a time of optimism and progress. People felt a sense of hope and belief in a better future. Life was challenging, but it was a hardship sustained by hope, as economist Zhao Jian poignantly noted. This sentiment is a stark contrast to the current state of affairs, where many Chinese citizens feel a sense of emptiness despite material abundance.
The nostalgia for this bygone era is a longing for a time when China seemed to be moving in a different, more open direction, offering its people greater freedom. It was an era of rapid change and reform, where people could express their thoughts freely and the sky was literally bluer, as Zhao Jian observed.
State Censorship and Control
The Chinese state, while mourning Zhu's passing, is also cautious of the potential for public mourning to turn into veiled criticisms of the current government. This fear is not unfounded, given the historical precedent of public grief turning into protests, as seen with the deaths of Zhou Enlai and Hu Yaobang.
State media has described Zhu as a loyal Communist Party member, but online posts and essays commemorating his era, like Zhao Jian's, have been censored. This control extends to the funeral itself, with no footage released to the public, keeping the ceremony low-key.
Xi Jinping's Narrative
President Xi Jinping's leadership style and economic policies contrast sharply with the reforms of the 1990s and early 2000s. Xi has emphasized central control and a state-driven economic policy focused on technological autonomy and strategic industries. He is committed to a unified historical narrative, ensuring that any alternative future paths suggested by previous leaders are not publicly discussed.
In a recent speech, Xi called for the Communist Party to carry forward Jiang's legacy, presenting his leadership as a continuation of this project. He emphasized vigilance against potential dangers and the need to meet major challenges head-on.
Conclusion
The mourning of Zhu Rongji's passing is a complex blend of personal reflection and state-controlled narrative. It highlights the desire for a return to an era of openness and reform, a time when people felt a sense of hope and progress. This nostalgia, however, is met with state censorship and a carefully crafted historical narrative by the current leadership. As China faces economic and demographic challenges, the mourning for a bygone era is a reminder of the importance of hope and progress in a nation's journey.
