China bids farewell to economic reformer, ex-PM Zhu Rongji

China laid Zhu Rongji's remains to rest on Tuesday, with the national flag lowered in tribute. The 97-year-old former Premier, who served as head of government from 1998 to 2003, passed away last week. His funeral was held at the Babaoshan crematorium, a site reserved for China's leaders. President Xi Jinping and the other six Politburo Standing Committee members observed a moment of silence before Zhu was cremated. Former President Hu Jintao, now 83, sent a wreath of condolences to the former second-ranking official.

As vice premier from 1991 to 1998 and premier from 1998 to 2003, Zhu played a crucial role in China's economic transformation during the 1990s. He implemented strict measures to combat runaway inflation, reform tax and banking systems, and tackle the state sector by eliminating inefficient enterprises. These reforms paved the way for China's entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001, signaling China's integration into the global economy.

Zhu's approach to governance was characterized by his commitment to independent thinking. In 1988, while serving as Shanghai's mayor, he declared, "My defining trait – my guiding principle – is independent thinking. I believe I should say what I truly think." However, his political career was not without controversy. In the late 1950s, Zhu's membership in the ruling Communist Party was revoked after delivering a three-minute speech that officials deemed uncautious. He regained his membership two decades later.

Zhu's speeches, collected in a four-volume set in 2011, revealed a more critical perspective on corruption and governance. He described shoddily built flood dykes as "tofu dregs" and labeled errant bankers as "half-wits." His death sparked a wave of mourning on Chinese social media, with some users praising his leadership and others criticizing his impact on employment. Despite the mixed reactions, Zhu's legacy as a key driver of China's economic reform remains a significant part of the nation's historical narrative.