Zhu Rongji's passing marks a pivotal moment in China's history, signaling the end of an era of rapid economic reform and opening up. The former premier, remembered for his economic reforms and common touch, is being mourned by the Chinese public, but the state is wary of any public mourning that could veer into criticism of the current government under Xi Jinping. The censorship of online posts about Zhu highlights the party's fear of public reaction to the deaths of senior officials, a fear that has been evident in the past, as evidenced by the deaths of Zhou Enlai and Hu Yaobang.
The nostalgia for the era of Zhu and Jiang Zemin's leadership is palpable, as many Chinese people reminisce about a time when the country seemed to be moving towards a more open and free future. The candid communication and common touch of these leaders stand in stark contrast to the carefully choreographed leadership style of Xi Jinping. The current president's emphasis on central control and state-driven economic policies has shifted the narrative away from private entrepreneurship and wealth creation, raising questions about the future direction of China.
The mourning for the bygone era is a mourning for the certainty that hard work would lead to improved lives. As Zhao Jian points out, the current material abundance and skylines do not fill the void left by the loss of hope and a clear future. The challenge for Xi Jinping is to navigate these complexities and present a unified narrative that does not suppress the 'What If's' of China's past, while also addressing the current economic and demographic challenges the country faces.
