Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji passed away at the age of 97, as reported by state media. The official Xinhua news agency announced that Zhu died due to an illness in Beijing around 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Known for his impatience and sharp reforms, Zhu played a pivotal role in driving China’s economic growth by implementing significant changes in the state industry during the 1990s and leading the nation into the World Trade Organization.
Initially sidelined and forced into rural labor for his support of reforms in other communist nations, Zhu later spearheaded a series of transformative reforms during his tenure as premier from 1998 to 2003. Despite facing resistance from Communist Party traditionalists and state industry leaders, Zhu championed the efficiency and profitability of state-owned enterprises, resulting in significant layoffs but propelling China to become the world’s second-largest economy after the United States in 2010.
Expanding on Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms initiated in 1979, Zhu was instrumental in steering China towards WTO membership, a move that significantly boosted the country’s exports and global economic influence. These reforms fueled consistent economic growth, with China maintaining growth rates above eight percent annually between 2000 and 2010, reaching a peak of 14.2 percent in 2007.
Zhu, who assumed the premier position at 69 years old in 1998, garnered popularity for his no-nonsense approach in addressing government shortcomings and corruption, earning nicknames like Boss and Madman Zhu. His commitment to combating corruption was evident when he famously remarked in 1998 that he had prepared 100 coffins, 99 for corrupt officials and one for himself.
Throughout his career, Zhu played a key role in various economic initiatives, including launching a home ownership program in 1998 that facilitated the private ownership of urban housing. Despite advocating for profit-oriented reforms in sectors like banking and airlines, Zhu remained firm on retaining state ownership in key industries.
Born in Hunan province on October 23, 1928, Zhu faced political setbacks early in his career, enduring a 22-year exile labeled as a “rightist” during the Cultural Revolution. However, he made a remarkable comeback in 1979, swiftly ascending the political ranks to become a prominent figure in Chinese politics.
Zhu’s legacy also includes his efforts to secure China’s WTO membership through arduous negotiations, overcoming domestic opposition and international challenges. His ability to navigate complex political landscapes and implement bold economic reforms solidified his reputation as a key architect of China’s modern economic transformation.