Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji has passed away at the age of 97, as reported by state media. The official Xinhua news agency announced his death due to illness in Beijing on Wednesday morning. Zhu, known for his impatience and sharp-tongued demeanor, played a crucial role in spearheading China’s rapid economic growth by implementing drastic reforms in the state industry during the 1990s and steering the nation towards joining the World Trade Organization.
Despite facing adversity earlier in his career, including being exiled to rural areas for advocating reforms in other communist nations, Zhu initiated a series of transformative changes during his tenure as premier from 1998 to 2003. He faced opposition from conservative factions within the Communist Party and state-owned enterprises while pushing for efficiency and profitability in the state-run companies, resulting in significant layoffs but ultimately propelling China to become the world’s second-largest economy after the United States in 2010.
Credited with building on Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms of 1979, Zhu’s leadership was instrumental in securing China’s WTO membership, a milestone that significantly boosted the country’s status as a global exporter. These reforms contributed to sustaining economic growth at above eight percent annually from 2000 to 2010, reaching a peak of 14.2 percent in 2007.
Appointed as premier at the age of 69, Zhu gained popularity for his candid criticism of government inefficiencies and corruption, earning nicknames like “Boss” and “Madman Zhu.” His proactive approach to tackling corruption was evident when he famously remarked in 1998 that he had prepared 100 coffins – 99 for corrupt officials and one for himself, showcasing his commitment to accountability.
Zhu’s tenure as a senior official in the 1990s was marked by his success in curbing inflation and laying the groundwork for China’s WTO accession through arduous negotiations. His efforts in promoting home ownership in urban areas and advocating for profit-oriented reforms in key sectors like banking and airlines significantly reshaped China’s economic landscape, steering it towards a more market-oriented direction while retaining government control over critical industries.
Born in Hunan province in 1928, Zhu’s early career setbacks, including being labelled as a “rightist” during the 1950s and enduring exile during the Cultural Revolution, did not deter his eventual rise to prominence. His swift ascent in the political hierarchy, coupled with his reputation for defusing tense situations and his willingness to take responsibility for official shortcomings, solidified his legacy as a pragmatic and forward-thinking leader.
Zhu’s ability to acknowledge government failures and his self-deprecating humor endeared him to the public, adding a touch of levity to his otherwise serious demeanor. His commitment to fiscal reforms, including designing a tax system that increased revenue flow to the central government, showcased his vision for a more transparent and efficient governance structure.