Zhao Dies, Posing a Challenge for China's Nervous Leadership

The New York Times ^ | January 17, 2005 | JOSEPH KAHN

[Brilliant]

BEIJING, Monday, Jan. 17 - Zhao Ziyang's life in politics ended nearly 16 years ago, when he was purged after opposing the use of force against democracy protesters in Beijing. But his death on Monday presents a fresh political challenge to his successors.

President Hu Jintao, who consolidated his power as China's top leader last fall, must decide whether to hold a state funeral for Mr. Zhao despite the fact that he was never rehabilitated by the Communist Party.

Authorities are clearly worried that his death could incite dissent from critics of the government, as has occurred after the deaths of other well-regarded national leaders. The police have been on high alert in sensitive spots around Beijing.

Though held under house arrest for more than 15 years, Mr. Zhao, who was 85, remained a symbol of a sharp divide among Communist Party leaders that was suppressed - but never completely healed - by China's authoritarian system and its long streak of fast economic growth.

During his tenure as premier and then Communist Party chief in the 1980's, Mr. Zhao favored market-oriented economic policies. He also studied overhauling the one-party political system.

The resonance of Mr. Zhao's ideas and the loyalty he commanded was made apparent upon his death, when Bao Tong, his longtime aide who himself remains under house arrest, released an essay mourning Mr. Zhao and criticizing the current leadership for maintaining its absolute grip on power.

"The persecution of Zhao Ziyang is the persecution of the only party leader to put forth a political reform package to tackle one-party rule," Mr. Bao said in his essay, a copy of which was made available to The New York Times. "The ultimate goal of this reform package was to establish the kind of democratic politics that could support and nurture a healthy market economy."

Chinese authorities are often worried about popular reaction to the deaths of top leaders. Under Chinese tradition, mourners must be given that chance to express their grief, and state leaders are wary of denying final rites even to rival officials.

Major demonstrations occurred after Zhou Enlai, the popular premier, died in 1976. University students took to the streets in 1989 during the funeral for Hu Yaobang, who preceded Mr. Zhao as party chief.

President Hu must decide how to commemorate Mr. Zhao. At any state funeral, supporters might have a chance to express views that might be perceived as a threat to the current leaders. If there is no public funeral, Mr. Hu might be open to criticism that he did not treat a longtime leader with respect, potentially making Mr. Zhao an even more lasting symbol of injustice.