Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji dies at the age of 97, leaving behind a profound legacy as the economic architect who spearheaded China’s entry into global trade and laid the foundation for its explosive industrial growth.
Serving in the nation's second-highest office from 1998 to 2003, Zhu played a pivotal role in securing China’s historic accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), opening domestic manufacturing to foreign investment and international markets.
Renowned for his pragmatic and candid leadership style, he centralized tax policy, privatized struggling state-owned enterprises, and promoted private home ownership.
As global leaders reflect on his legacy following news that former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji dies, commentators highlight his decisive battles against official corruption, financial mismanagement, and bureaucratic inefficiency.
Born in Hunan province in 1928, Zhu earned a degree in electrical engineering before joining the civil service. Despite being politically purged twice during the Mao era, he was rehabilitated and appointed vice-premier in 1991 before taking over as premier seven years later.
Born in Hunan province in 1928, Zhu earned a degree in electrical engineering before joining the civil service. Despite being politically purged twice during the Mao era, he was rehabilitated and appointed vice-premier in 1991 before taking over as premier seven years later.
Although his sweeping free-market reforms led to an estimated 30 million state-sector layoffs, official state media praised his lifetime of dedication as one of "revolution, struggle and brilliance," honoring him as a loyal and transformative leader who reshaped the modern global economy.
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