Mourning in the Shadows: Zhu Rongji’s Passing Reveals China’s Fear of Nostalgia

The death of former Premier Zhu Rongji has sparked a wave of nostalgia among Chinese people, who remember his era as one of rapid economic growth and tentative opening to the world. But beneath the sentimental posts on social media lies a more complex reality: the Communist Party is wary of allowing public mourning for Zhu’s legacy, lest it morph into veiled criticisms of the current government under Xi Jinping.

This fear is not unfounded. The deaths of former leaders in the past have triggered widespread outpourings of grief that eventually turned into protests. The party has been particularly sensitive to such incidents since the tumultuous 1980s and 1990s, when public discontent boiled over into the Tiananmen Square crackdown.

Zhu’s own story is instructive in this regard. A reformer who had been purged under Mao Zedong’s regime, he was brought back into the fold after Mao’s death and served as premier alongside Jiang Zemin from 1998 to 2003. During their tenure, China underwent significant economic reforms, including joining the World Trade Organization in 2001 and dismantling the old housing system.

The contrast between Zhu’s era and Xi’s is striking. While the former premier was known for his deadpan humor and willingness to speak truth to power, Xi has emphasized central control and state-driven economic policies focused on technological autonomy and strategic industries. The current leadership style is characterized by careful choreography and a relentless drive to eliminate dissent.

Xi’s recent speech commemorating Jiang Zemin’s legacy is telling in this regard. By presenting the current leadership as the continuation of Jiang’s project, Xi aims to shore up his own narrative and reinforce the notion that China’s progress is a seamless evolution rather than a departure from past policies.

Economist Zhao Jian wrote in a now-censored essay that Zhu’s era represented a sense of possibility – a feeling that China might one day emerge from its isolated state to engage with the world on more equal terms. This sentiment was reflected not only in economic growth but also in the personal touch of leaders who seemed willing to challenge convention.

As China marks Zhu Rongji’s passing, it is clear that Xi’s narrative is not just about legacy or continuity. It is also about control – the need to suppress dissent and shape public opinion to suit his own agenda. The party’s sensitivity to nostalgia for a bygone era speaks volumes about its deep-seated fear of losing grip on power.

In this context, it is worth noting that true leadership involves not just carefully choreographed speeches but also the willingness to listen and engage with the concerns of its people. As China navigates this complex landscape, Zhu’s passing serves as a poignant reminder of what could have been – a reminder that leaders must balance control with accountability and engagement.