Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, a key figure in transforming China into a global economic powerhouse, has died at the age of 97. Zhu served as premier from 1998 to 2003, a period marked by significant economic liberalization and China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
During his tenure, Zhu spearheaded initiatives that opened Chinese factories to international markets and attracted foreign investment. He was credited with centralizing tax powers, privatizing or closing inefficient state-owned enterprises, and promoting homeownership. These reforms contributed to double-digit economic growth for China.
Zhu was known for his pragmatic and sometimes outspoken approach. He did not shy away from acknowledging domestic challenges, including corruption among officials, growing wealth inequality, and the misconduct of some local authorities. He famously described underperforming officials as "half-wits" and criticized infrastructure projects as being "flimsy and porous as tofu dregs."
His leadership helped stabilize the Chinese economy and began its transition from a state-controlled system to a manufacturing hub. However, these reforms also resulted in significant layoffs, with approximately 30 million people losing their jobs over five years, and contributed to increased social inequality.
Born in Hunan province in 1928, Zhu studied electrical engineering before entering civil service. He joined the Communist Party in 1949 but faced political purges twice, once for criticizing Mao Zedong's economic policies and again during the Cultural Revolution. Following Mao's death, Zhu re-entered political life, eventually rising to the position of vice-premier in charge of the economy by 1991 before becoming premier seven years later.
Chinese state media have characterized Zhu Rongji's life as one of "revolution, struggle and brilliance."