Singapore PM Wong sends condolences to China over death of former premier Zhu Rongji

Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed condolences to China's Premier Li Qiang after the passing of former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji. Zhu, who held the position from 1998 to 2003, died at 97 due to illness. Wong described Zhu as an "old friend of Singapore" who played a crucial role in strengthening bilateral relations.

Wong praised Zhu for his remarkable foresight and resolve during his long career, particularly in advancing China's economic reforms and leading China's accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001. Zhu's speech at the 1999 Singapore Lecture highlighted his strategic vision for China's economic growth benefiting Asia and the world. He also proposed a free-trade area between ASEAN and China, which has since come to fruition.

Zhu was an early supporter of the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park and encouraged exchanges between Singapore and Shanghai officials during his tenure as Shanghai's mayor. These efforts laid a strong foundation for the close ties between the two nations today.

The former premier was credited with driving China's economic rise through market reforms like privatizing unprofitable state-owned enterprises and promoting home ownership. On the global stage, he helped China enter the World Trade Organization through intense negotiations, despite concerns about potential economic consequences. An obituary jointly issued by China's top political bodies hailed Zhu as an outstanding member of the Communist Party of China and a life dedicated to serving the people and the communist cause.