Zhu Rongji Dies at 97: Premier Who Transformed China

Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji died in Beijing at 97. Serving from 1998–2003, he drove market reforms, helped China through the Asian crisis, and negotiated WTO entry. BEIJING: Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji, whose market-oriented reforms played a major role in accelerating China's economic transformation and global integration, died in Beijing on Wednesday at the age of 97, Chinese state media reported. Zhu died late Wednesday morning after medical treatment failed to save him, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency. A joint obituary issued by China's top political bodies described his life as one dedicated to the Communist Party of China (CPC), the country and public service. Zhu served as premier from 1998 to 2003 and became known for his tough approach to economic reform and restructuring. His tenure saw an extensive programme to reform and privatise loss-making state-owned enterprises, the privatisation of urban housing and policies promoting home ownership. His reforms helped fuel a prolonged boom in China's property and construction sectors and accelerated the transition towards a more market-oriented economy. Zhu also played a central role in steering China through the 1997 Asian financial crisis, helping the country maintain economic stability at a time when several regional economies were facing severe financial turmoil. One of his most significant achievements was his role in negotiations that paved the way for China's accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 2001. The move further integrated China into global trade and investment networks and strengthened its emergence as a major manufacturing and trading power. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over Zhu's death and conveyed condolences to Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, Zhu's family and the Chinese people. 'Deeply saddened by the passing of former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji, a great leader and a good friend of Pakistan,' the prime minister said, adding that Pakistan shared the grief of its 'iron brother' China. 'Outstanding leader' A joint obituary hailed Zhu as an 'outstanding member' of the Communist Party of China and a 'long-tested and loyal communist fighter', describing him as an outstanding leader of the Party and state. Zhu's reform agenda lifted millions of people as China experienced rapid economic expansion, although it also contributed to widening economic inequalities and a property-driven growth model that later generated significant financial vulnerabilities. Under President Xi Jinping, China has sought a more balanced development model, with greater emphasis on reducing financial risks, addressing inequality and ensuring that private enterprise operates within broader national economic priorities. The official obituary called on the Chinese people to draw strength from Zhu's revolutionary spirit, character and public service while rallying around the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core. News of Zhu's death quickly became one of the most discussed topics on Chinese social media, with millions of users expressing condolences and sharing memories of the former premier. For many Chinese citizens, Zhu remains closely associated with an era when economic restructuring, WTO accession and expanding global trade helped lay important foundations for China's emergence as an economic powerhouse.