Zhu, a fierce reformer who engineered China’s pivot to a market economy and its entry into the World Trade Organization, died Wednesday in Beijing. He was 98. While premier from 1998 to 2003, he steered the country through the Asian financial crisis by refusing to devalue the yuan and implementing proactive fiscal policies
Gallery: Zhu Rongji’s Legacy
Aug. 13, 2026
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Zhu Rongji (left) accompanies former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping on an inspection tour of Volkswagen’s China joint venture in Shanghai on Feb. 6, 1991. Photo: Zhu Rongji on the Record
Former President Jiang Zemin congratulates Zhu on his appointment as Premier of the State Council, the country’s cabinet, on March 17, 1998. Photo: Xinhua
Developing | Chinese economic reformer Zhu Rongji dies aged 97
Developing | Zhu Rongji, China’s chief engineer of economic reform dies aged 97
Developing | Zhu Rongji, China’s chief engineer of economic reform, dies aged 97
Breaking | Chinese economic reformer Zhu Rongji dies aged 97
Zhu Rongji, reforming Chinese prime minister, dies aged 97
How Zhu Rongji’s economic legacy endures in China after former premier’s death
Zhu Rongji, China’s chief engineer of economic reform, dies aged 97
Ex-Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, who drove economic reforms and led China into the WTO, dies at 97
Zhu Rongji, who drove China's 1990s economic reforms, has died at 97
Zhu Rongji, the rumoured descendant of Ming dynasty founder who helped transform China into a global economic powerhouse
Zhu, who rose to become premier, spearheaded China’s entry into the World Trade Organization.
Zhu, who rose to become premier, spearheaded China’s entry into the World Trade Organization.
Zhu, who rose to become premier, spearheaded China’s entry into the World Trade Organization.
Zhu, who rose to become premier, spearheaded China’s entry into the WTO.
Alongside president Jiang Zemin, Zhu laid the foundation for the country’s leap to economic superpower
Remembered as a candid, decisive leader, the former Chinese premier championed entrepreneurship, welcomed foreign expertise and…
