Malaysia’s Anwar looks back on relationship ‘well beyond affairs of state’ with Zhu Rongji
Tributes have been flooding in for former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji, the reformist statesman who played a leading role in integrating China’s economy into the global system and charmed neighbouring countries with his candid diplomacy. In a deeply personal tribute posted on social media, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described Zhu, who died on Wednesday at the age of 97, as “a good…
Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, who passed away at the age of 97, is being remembered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as a "good friend." The two leaders worked together to strengthen economic ties between China and Malaysia, with the foundation they built still underpinning their relationship today. Beyond their political collaboration, Anwar shared that Zhu arranged for him to visit Confucius' home village and other historic sites.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong also praised Zhu, describing him as an "old friend" who supported a joint economic megaproject between Singapore and China. Zhu's role in setting up a US$20 billion industrial park in Suzhou is seen as a successful example of China's opening-up policy. Former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, who worked closely with Zhu during China's accession to the World Trade Organization, described him as a formidable economic policymaker who improved the living standards of more people than any other technocrat.
Zhu's impact extended beyond economics, as seen in his 2000 visit to Japan, where he addressed questions on trade relations, human rights, and historical issues while emphasizing the need for better relations and stronger communication between the two countries' armed forces.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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