Flags at half-mast at farewell for Li

Ayra Wang

China will cremate the remains of former Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing tomorrow, state media reported.

Li, a former economist and politician who served as premier for a decade between 2013 and 2023, died of a heart attack in Shanghai on Friday at the age of 68.

Li's remains were transferred to Beijing on the same day, Xinhua news agency said.

"He was extolled as an excellent Communist Party of China member, a time-tested and loyal communist soldier, and an outstanding proletarian revolutionist, statesman, and leader of the party and the state," Xinhua said.

National flags around the country, in Hong Kong and Macau and at Chinese embassies and consulates overseas will fly at half-staff to pay tribute to the ex-premier.

Born in Anhui province in eastern China, Li was first elected as premier in 2013 and re-elected in 2018, during which he advocated for market-oriented reform and anti-poverty programs.

It is widely circulated on WeChat that Li underwent a liver transplant in Renji Hospital in Shanghai during his tenure as premier, and his heart was damaged due to long-term use of anti-rejection drugs.

Li was already in bad condition when he delivered his last government work report in the first session of the 14th National People's Congress in March this year.

The fatal heart attack was directly due to overwork, according to reports.

Hundreds of mourners paid their respects to Li in Anhui on Friday. People came to his childhood house in Hefei, the capital of Anhui, presenting flowers grieving, with many writing down their condolences on cards.

His family mansion in Dingyuan saw many paying tribute by bowing and presenting flowers. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed deep condolences to Li's family on Saturday.

"The passing of former Premier Li Keqiang saddened me," Lee said.

He recalled that Li handed him the State Council Order in person to announce his appointment as chief executive in Beijing in May 2022.

He said Li also cared about Hong Kong and stressed the importance of implementing the one country, two systems.

It is believed that Li's funeral will be held with the highest standards, the same as that of Li Peng, the country's fourth premier from 1988 to 1998, who died in 2019.

Li's remains will be cremated at Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery, the highest-ranking resting place for senior government officials, revolutionary heroes, and individuals who contributed to society.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com