Former leader of China Democratic League cremated

Xi Jinping shakes hands with a family member of Ding Shisun, former chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League (CDL), in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 17, 2019. Ding was cremated in Beijing Thursday. Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan, among others, paid their final respects at the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The body of Ding Shisun, former chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League (CDL), was cremated in Beijing Thursday.

Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan, among others, paid their final respects at the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery.

They stood in silent tribute and bowed three times in front of Ding's body before the cremation. They also extended their condolences to his family.

Ding passed away due to illness in Beijing on Oct. 12 at the age of 93.

Ding was extolled in an official statement as a renowned mathematician, educator, social activist and an outstanding leader of the CDL.

He had served as a vice-chairperson of the 9th and 10th National People's Congress Standing Committees, chairman of the 7th, 8th and 9th central committees of the CDL, former head of the Western Returned Scholars Association and former president of Peking University. Ding was also extolled as an excellent member of the Communist Party of China.

Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng, Wang Qishan, Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao had either visited Ding when he was in the hospital or offered their condolences to his family after his death.