Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, who spearheaded China’s entry into global trade and laid the foundation for its explosive growth, has died at the age of 97.
He served in the country’s second‑highest office from 1998‑2003 and was the chief architect behind securing China’s entry into the World Trade Organization, opening Chinese factories to international markets and attracting foreign investment.
Zhu moved local tax powers to the central government, closed or privatised failing state firms and promoted home ownership—moves that spurred double‑digit GDP growth but also raised concerns about corruption and inequality.
In 1998 he warned that China faced “many potential crises that could erupt at any time” and criticised corrupt local officials, the gulf between rich and poor and rogue bankers, famously calling them “half‑wits.”
Under his pragmatic leadership the country transformed from a communist out‑sider to a manufacturing powerhouse. Critics point to the 30 million layoffs over five years and rising inequality as the price of rapid growth.
State media described his life in his obituary as one of “revolution, struggle and brilliance,” calling him an outstanding member of the Communist Party of China and loyal fighter.
Born in Hunan in 1928, Zhu earned a degree in electrical engineering before joining the civil service. He joined the Communist Party in 1949 but was purged twice, first after criticizing Mao’s economic policies and again during the Cultural Revolution. He returned to party favour after Mao’s death and rose to vice‑premier in charge of the economy in 1991 before becoming premier in 1998.
