Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji has passed away at the age of 97, as reported by state media. The official Xinhua news agency announced that Zhu succumbed 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 in the 1990s by revolutionizing the state industry and guiding the country into the World Trade Organization.
Despite facing exile in rural areas for supporting reforms in other communist nations earlier in his career, Zhu spearheaded a series of groundbreaking changes during his tenure as premier from 1998 to 2003. His confrontations with conservative factions within the Communist Party and state-owned enterprises led to significant layoffs but ultimately positioned China to surpass Japan as the world’s second-largest economy, following the United States in 2010.
Building upon the reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping in 1979, Zhu was instrumental in orchestrating transformative events such as China’s WTO accession, which propelled the nation to become the globe’s top exporter. These initiatives sustained economic growth above eight percent annually from 2000 to 2010, peaking at 14.2 percent in 2007.
Assuming office as premier at the age of 69 in 1998, Zhu garnered popularity for his candid criticism of government inefficiencies and corruption, earning monikers like “Boss” and “Madman Zhu.” He declared in 1998, “I have prepared 100 coffins here — 99 for corrupt officials and one for myself,” underscoring his commitment to accountability.
Zhu’s strategic maneuvers to secure China’s WTO membership through arduous negotiations in the 1980s reshaped the national economic landscape. Despite facing challenges, including skepticism from the U.S. government regarding market reforms, Zhu’s persistence led to China’s successful WTO accession in December 2001.
In 1998, Zhu kickstarted a surge in home ownership by initiating the sale of state-owned company apartments, fostering a shift towards private property ownership in urban areas. While advocating for profit-oriented reforms across various sectors in the 1990s, Zhu opposed full privatization, emphasizing the importance of maintaining government ownership in key industries.
Born in Hunan province on October 23, 1928, Zhu’s career trajectory was marred by a 22-year hiatus due to political persecution during the Cultural Revolution. However, his reinstatement in 1979 paved the way for rapid advancement, culminating in his pivotal role in economic policy-making and leadership positions within the Chinese government.
Acknowledged for his humility and willingness to acknowledge official shortcomings, Zhu’s legacy includes his efforts to enhance revenue sharing between local and central authorities through tax reforms. His adept leadership and commitment to driving economic reforms have left an indelible mark on China’s modernization journey.
Zhu Rongji’s contributions to China’s economic evolution were celebrated during his last public appearance at the 19th Communist Party Congress in Beijing on October 24, 2017, where he was greeted by Chinese President Xi Jinping.