Premier Li pays respects to firefighters lost in Tianjin blasts

Bowing to the photos of the deceased firefighters, Premier Li Keqiang on Sunday paid respects to those young men who lost their lives in two massive warehouse blasts in north China's port city of Tianjin that have killed 112.

"They are all heroes and deserve the respect of the whole society," said Li, while visiting a brigade of Tianjin fire department. He arrived in Tianjin Sunday afternoon.

At least 21 firefighters have been killed after two huge explosion tore through a warehouse in Tianjin's Binhai New Area late Wednesday night, and 85 other firefighters remain unaccounted for.

Li said all the dead -- whether official firefighters or contract counterparts -- will enjoy the same posthumous honor and their families will be given the same compensation.

The premier also visited the firefighters and soldiers who are still racing against the clock to search for the missing people at the blast site, praising their valor and contributions.

"When people's lives are at risk, you go to the rescue without fear or hesitation and make sacrifices," Li said. "The Party and the government thank you."

He asked them to ensure their own safety in rescue work.