CHEN YUN'S death has eased fears among foreign observers that China will abandon the drive towards capitalism after Deng Xiaoping dies. But it has heightened fears about China's political stability.
Foreign diplomats in Beijing interpreted the delay in announcing his death as a sign of uncertainty within the Communist Party as Jiang Zemin tries to strengthen his grip on power before Mr Deng leaves the scene.
'If they are so nervous about Chen, how long they will wait to announce Deng Xiaoping's death?' asked one Western diplomat.
For many years analysts had talked of a 'death race' between Mr Deng and Chen. The two were born within six months of each other. Mr Deng was born first in August 1904 but was for decades Chen's subordinate in the party hierarchy.
Such was Chen's influence that it was thought that if he outlived Mr Deng, he would slow China's reforms and promote central planning.
'Deng won the race but it no longer matters as much as it would have two or three years ago,' a Western diplomat said.
