Ex-Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, architect of growth, dies of illness at 98

Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji has passed away at the age of 98, according to state media. The reformer played a crucial role in China's rapid economic growth by spearheading substantial changes in state industry during the 1990s and leading the nation into the World Trade Organization. Zhu, who was known for his impatient and sharp-tongued demeanor, assumed the top economic post in China from 1998 to 2003.

During his tenure as premier, Zhu implemented a wide range of reforms, which included pushing state-owned companies towards efficiency and profitability. These changes, although resulting in millions of layoffs, contributed to China's ascent to becoming the world's second-largest economy, surpassing Japan in 2010. Zhu's leadership built upon the foundation laid by former leader Deng Xiaoping's 1979 reforms, and he is credited with providing the resourcefulness and tenacity required to drive through transformative changes such as China's accession to the World Trade Organization. This membership significantly bolstered China's position as the world's largest exporter.