Former Chinese leader Jiang Zemin joins Communist Party chiefs at funeral of Tiananmen premier Li Peng
- Xi Jinping and other leaders lead mourning for Li, a controversial figure accused of playing a key role in the suppression of pro-democracy protesters in 1989
- Event marks rare public appearance by 92-year-old Jiang, who has kept a low profile in recent years because of his fragile health
Former Chinese Premier Li Peng was cremated on Monday after a grand funeral held in Beijing that was attended by top Communist leaders, including former president Jiang Zemin.
Jiang, 92, who was made Communist Party general secretary after the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown – an event in which Li was accused of playing a key role – was shown on national television being ushered into the funeral hall by two helpers together with his wife Wang Yeping.
The CCTV report showed Jiang shaking hands with Li’s family members and offering his condolences.
It was a rare public appearance by the former leader who has kept a low profile in recent years because of his advanced age and fragile health.
Li, who was premier between 1987 and 1998, died in Beijing on July 22 at age 90.