Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji dies at 97

Zhu Rongji, the former premier of the People’s Republic of China, played a pivotal role in securing the country’s entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001, a move that marked a significant shift in China’s economic policy. His leadership during the accession negotiations helped align China’s trade practices with international standards, opening the nation’s markets to foreign investment and facilitating greater integration into the global economy.

Following the WTO accession, Zhu championed a series of market‑oriented reforms, including the restructuring of state-owned enterprises, the liberalization of key sectors, and the strengthening of fiscal discipline. These measures contributed to sustained economic expansion, increased export volumes, and a rise in living standards across the country, underscoring Zhu’s lasting impact on China’s development trajectory.