Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji dies aged 97

Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji, a key figure in the country's economic transformation, passed away at the age of 97 on Wednesday morning in Beijing. Known for his commitment to market reforms, Zhu became premier in 1998 and implemented policies that included privatizing state-owned enterprises, promoting home ownership, and expanding the real estate and construction sectors.

His leadership helped China weather the 1997 Asian financial crisis and secure its accession to the World Trade Organisation in 2001. Zhu's legacy is marked by a life dedicated to serving the people and the communist cause, but his market reform approach has since fallen out of favor under the current leadership. His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes and condolences across social media, with many expressing their grief and admiration for the former premier.