The remains of former Premier Li Keqiang were cremated at the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery in Beijing on Thursday morning.

Xinhua news agency reported that a black banner with white characters reading "deeply mourn for Comrade Li Keqiang" was hung in the main hall of the cemetery, with his portrait underneath. Li's body – covered with the flag of the Communist Party – lay amidst flowers and evergreen cypresses.

Xinhua reported that President Xi Jinping led other Politburo Standing Committee members – Premier Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi – and Vice President Han Zheng to attend the ceremony at about 9am.

They stood in solemn silence to pay their tributes, and made three bows, before shaking hands with Li's family members and offering condolences. Former president Hu Jintao, meanwhile, sent a wreath to express his condolences.

Meanwhile, national flags flew at half-mast at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on Thursday, broadcaster CCTV said.

Xinhua had earlier reported that national flags will be flown at half-mast across China, including at the Foreign Ministry as well as seats of local governments across the nation, and diplomatic missions.

Here in Hong Kong, flags are flying at half-mast at various locations, including the Liaison Office, Central Government Offices, Government House, all border crossings and the airport.

Li died of a heart attack last Friday in Shanghai at the age of 68.

A former economist, Li served as Premier for a decade before retiring in March. (Additional reporting by Xinhua and Reuters)
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Last updated: 2023-11-02 HKT 16:25