Zhu Rongji: Chinese reformer who transformed China’s economy dies at 97

Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, a reformer who spearheaded China's economic boom in the 1990s, has passed away at the age of 97, according to state media. Zhu died in Beijing on August 12, 2026, following illness. Earning a reputation as a sharp-tongued and determined leader, Zhu oversaw sweeping changes as China's premier from 1998 to 2003 under former President Jiang Zemin.

He pushed for efficiency and profitability in state-owned enterprises, resulting in millions of layoffs but propelling China to become the world's second-largest economy in 2010. As a key architect of China's World Trade Organization membership, Zhu played a pivotal role in transforming the nation into a global exporter. His aggressive style earned him the monikers "Boss" and "Madman Zhu."

Zhu, who rose to prominence in the 1990s as a deputy premier, gained notoriety for his efforts to curb inflation, cut off loans to failing state companies, and resist opposition from local leaders. As a technician without his own power base, Zhu faced challenges in enforcing his directives. Despite these obstacles, he secured China's WTO membership after years of rigorous negotiations, which cemented free trade as a national commitment and provided a mechanism to hold local officials accountable for protecting favored companies.

However, Zhu's approach to economic reform was more about disciplined bureaucracy than advocating for free enterprise. He advocated for transforming state-owned banks, airlines, oil companies, and other enterprises into profit-oriented corporations while retaining government ownership.