TAIPEI, Taiwan - During his 15-year house arrest, former General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Zhao Ziyang lived in isolation. Even Zhao’s longtime friend, Tian Jiyun, the former vice chairman of the National People’s Congress, had to obtain permission to visit him on Jan. 5 in Beijing Hospital, 12 days before Zhao died. And consent came from the top: President and current CCP General Secretary Hu Jintao granted Tian’s request.

Tian contacted Zhao’s daughter about his wish to visit Zhao after learning from a report in Hong Kong’s Sing Bao newspaper that his former mentor was receiving oxygen therapy to live. He was admitted to the hospital in early December due to respiratory failure. Zhao told his daughter: "Tell him not to come; don't make it difficult for him.”

Despite Zhao’s concern, Tian made his request to President Hu. Hu sent written permission the next day, and Tian was able to see Zhao for the first time in 15 years. Breathing with the help of an oxygen line, Zhao was happy to see Tian, and entertained his visit while relaxing on a couch. Tian recited a popular verse for the man who had promoted him into the central government:

Pursuit of office never ends, for high or low positions
For the rich or the poor, money brings endless apprehensions
Only one’s spouse is worth treasuring
Old friends are reliable
And good health is indispensable

Tian read Zhao another verse in the traditional form of scrolls posted vertically and horizontally on a home’s doorposts and lintel. The vertical scrolls were:

Earlier or later, one has to retire
Earlier or later, one’s life will expire
The horizontal scroll read:
“Retire earlier and die later”

The two old friends chatted about old age and recalled their experiences working together. The meeting lasted only 15 minutes. Zhao died Jan. 17 at the hospital.