Zhu Rongji cremated in Beijing as flags fly half-mast
RTHK · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
Former State Council premier Zhu Rongji was cremated in Beijing on Tuesday after his death from illness on August 12 at the age of 98. Flags were lowered to half-mast the same day at key state and government sites across mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Chinese diplomatic missions overseas.
Key Points
- Zhu Rongji, former premier of the State Council, was cremated in Beijing on Tuesday, August 18, following his death from illness on August 12 aged 98.
- Half-mast mourning was observed at Tiananmen, Xinhua Gate, the Great Hall of the People and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing.
- Provincial, autonomous regional and municipal party committee and government locations across China also lowered flags on Tuesday in mourning.
- Hong Kong and Macau, border checkpoints, external sea and air ports, and Chinese embassies and consulates overseas joined the half-mast tribute.
- In Hong Kong, flags were lowered at 8am at the Tamar government headquarters, Government House, control points and Hong Kong International Airport.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the half-mast arrangements show how official mourning on the mainland is mirrored locally through government protocol and public administration. The coordinated observance across Hong Kong's headquarters, ports and airport also underlines the city's role within national state ceremonies.