By Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Nov. 1: The Chinese Communist Party has censored posts on social media platforms that expressed shock at the sudden passing of former premier Li Keqiang, particularly those that referred to him as “a good premier for the people” and “outstanding leader of party and state”, according to multiple sources. This action by the Party came in the wake of the former premier’s death on Friday at the age of 68 in Shanghai.
The sudden death of Li Keqiang led to spontaneous mourning on the social media platform Weibo. Many of the videos and posts shared on social media mirrored a collective nostalgia for his accomplishments during his time as Premier and his role as a proponent of economic openness.
The passing of former Premier Li has prompted the implementation of various measures to ensure stability. This precautionary response is rooted in the historical precedent that a leader’s death in China can lead to significant political changes, as was the case following the passing of Mao Zedong. In the wake of Li’s death, it is evident that the Chinese Communist Party is keen on preventing widespread mourning for a popular and relatively liberal former second-in-command from evolving into broader criticism of the current administration, led by Xi Jinping.
According to a report by the South China Morning Post, Chinese universities have advised their students against organising private commemoration activities for former Premier Li Keqiang, to avoid potential social unrest.
The grief over his passing is indicative of the public’s feeling of loss for an era characterised by reform and economic growth, which many perceive as having been left behind. It also indicates the prevailing sense of powerlessness in contemporary China under the leadership of Xi Jinping, widely regarded as the most authoritative leader since Mao Zedong. A widely circulated post on various social media platforms encapsulated the sentiments of many Chinese citizens who identified with Li as a representation of those “who have struggled over the past decade but have gradually lost ground,” the nytimes.com reported.
The passing of Li has, for many people in China, brought forth a wave of pent-up frustration, anger, and anxiety. These emotions are rooted in their perception of Xi’s approach to the country’s economy. Under Xi’s leadership, there have been notable policy shifts and decisions that have sparked discontent among segments of the population. Xi’s policies and actions have included a crackdown on the private sector, which has impacted some of China’s most successful companies. Additionally, Xi’s foreign policy decisions have led to increased tension with some of China’s significant trading partners, while strengthening ties with countries like Russia, the report further added.
