Japan Embassy in China Lowers Flag for Zhu Rongji
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
Japan's embassy in China lowered the Japanese flag to half-staff on Thursday to mourn former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji, who died in Beijing on Wednesday at the age of 98.
The embassy also posted a photo of the lowered flag on Weibo with a message mourning Zhu, and the post drew responses from Chinese internet users including calls for China-Japan friendship.
Key Points
- Former State Council premier Zhu Rongji died in Beijing on Wednesday, August 12, at the age of 98, according to the reports.
- Japan's embassy in China published a photo on Weibo on Thursday morning showing the Japanese national flag lowered to half-staff.
- The embassy's accompanying message read: “Mourning former premier of the People's Republic of China, Mr Zhu Rongji.”
- The Weibo post attracted comments from Chinese users, including messages such as “May China and Japan remain friendly” and “Thank you.”
- Zhu visited Japan in October 2000 and answered questions on television about bilateral ties, history, public perceptions, and Taiwan.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the gesture is a closely watched sign of diplomatic tone in China-Japan relations at a sensitive historical moment linked to a former Chinese leader remembered for speaking directly on history and bilateral ties.
Zhu's past remarks in Japan that history must not be forgotten help explain why the embassy's public tribute has drawn attention online.