Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 10, 1994 TAG: 9402100041
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-14 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: BEIJING LENGTH: Short
China's frail 89-year-old senior leader appeared to have deteriorated physically since his last televised appearance a year ago. He walked slowly, with two of his daughters grasping his arms, as he offered holiday greetings to assembled officials and old comrades in Shanghai. His face seemed to have thinned in the past year, and his voice was not broadcast.
Deng's appearance on the national evening news has become an annual event on lunar New Year's Eve to dispel chronic rumors that he is on his deathbed. A Xinhua report on his appearance Wednesday pronounced him in "good health." Many Chinese fear Deng's death will lead to political instability.
As in past appearances, Deng appeared to have trouble focusing his eyes at times, and one of his daughters had to repeat loudly into his ear what others were saying. Dressed in a dark Mao suit, he was shown feebly clapping, smiling and waving.
Deng remains communist China's most influential person, even though he has retired from all his official positions. In the past year, Chinese have been urged to study his speeches, while officials continue to tout market-style economic reforms he has championed as the salvation of the nation. - Associated Press
by CNB