CCP leadership ceremonies draw scrutiny over attendance and ritual

Recent high-level political ceremonies in Beijing have drawn intense scrutiny regarding the internal dynamics of the Chinese Communist Party. During a memorial event for Jiang Zemin on August 17, 2026, observers noted that Xi Jinping wore a distinctive purple-red tie, contrasting with the uniform blue ties worn by the rest of the Politburo Standing Committee.

Parallel to this, the funeral for former Premier Zhu Rongji took place on August 18, 2026, at Babaoshan Cemetery. While Xi Jinping and other current leaders attended the service, former leader Hu Jintao did not attend the cremation in person, opting instead to send a wreath.

Attendance at these events has become a focal point for analyzing factional shifts. Notably, Li Ruihuan, a veteran official known for his historical political friction with Jiang Zemin, was absent from both the Jiang Zemin centenary commemoration and Zhu Rongji’s funeral. Other absences included Wu Jiaozheng, while several former Standing Committee members, including Wang Qishan and Wen Jiabao, were present at the Jiang Zemin event.