At Zhu Rongji's funeral, Beijing seeks to portray today's China as continuing the growth and optimism of his premiership. Yet for many Chinese citizens, the hopeful spirit of that era has dimmed.

The ceremony underscores a tension between official narratives and public sentiment. Authorities emphasize continuity with Zhu's reformist legacy, while ordinary people recall a period of relative openness and economic dynamism that feels distant.

This contrast reveals how historical memory shapes perceptions of current governance. The state's invocation of Zhu serves political purposes, but the populace's muted response suggests skepticism about whether present policies truly honor his pragmatic approach.