Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji dies aged 97

Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji passed away at the age of 97 in Beijing, according to state news agency Xinhua. Known for his market reforms, Zhu became premier in 1998 and implemented policies that privatized state-owned enterprises, promoted home ownership, and spurred economic growth. His leadership helped China avoid the worst of the 1997 Asian financial crisis and he played a key role in China's accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001.

Zhu's obituary described him as an "outstanding leader of the Party and the state" and noted that his reforms sparked a boom in real estate and construction. However, his brand of market reformism fell out of favor under Xi Jinping, who has condemned runaway capitalism and sought to move China towards a more balanced development path.

The news of Zhu's death quickly became a trending topic on social media, with tributes pouring in from across the country.