China’s former Premier Zhu Rongji, who steered WTO entry, dies at 98
Zhu died in Beijing at around 11 am on Wednesday after medical treatment for an unspecified illness failed, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.
Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji, who played a crucial role in China's economic reforms and helped the country join the World Trade Organisation, has passed away at the age of 98. Zhu, who was born in Hunan province in 1928, studied electrical engineering and joined the Communist Party in 1949. After working for China's state planning agency, he was labeled a "rightist" and spent years on a farm during the Cultural Revolution.
Rehabilitated in 1978, Zhu rose through the ranks to become premier from 1998 to 2003. He helped implement major reforms, including opening up China's financial sector to foreign investors and overseeing the first global bond sale. Zhu also played a key role in securing China's entry into the WTO in 2001, which accelerated the country's integration into the global economy.
Known for his sharp tongue and willingness to make tough decisions, Zhu launched anti-corruption campaigns and sought to reduce government bureaucracy.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times - World News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
