New York service unprecedented, says former adviser
Hundreds of overseas Chinese braved snowstorms in New York to pay their respects to Zhao Ziyang at a formal memorial that he has been denied on the mainland.
Exiled Chinese dissidents, scholars, politicians and representatives of local communist groups gathered at the Sheraton Hotel in one of the biggest congregations of overseas Chinese seen in the area.
Wreaths and garlands were placed throughout the hotel's conference room and attendants solemnly bowed to a black and white portrait of Zhou after eulogies were read by his former advisers, Yan Jiaqi and Chen Yizi .
Describing the gathering as unprecedented, Mr Yan said: 'Zhao Ziyang symbolises the call for democracy and freedom in China. We are making an important and forceful political expression here for those who cannot speak their thoughts in China now. This shows that overseas Chinese can put aside their political agendas and party lines to work in unison for a greater cause.'
Mr Yan also called on Beijing to allow a public memorial for Zhao on the mainland. 'Zhao is no ordinary man. He should not be denied an overdue confirmation of his contributions to China's economic and social reforms - the fruits we enjoy today.