Zhu Rongji, Former Chinese Premier Who Steered Country to Market Economy, Dies at 97

Zhu Rongji, a former premier of China widely regarded as one of the architects behind the country's major economic reforms of the late 20th century, has died at the age of 97.

First serving as vice premier and later rising to premier, Zhu played a central role in China's transition from a planned economy toward a market-based system. These reforms helped drive the country's emergence as the world's leading manufacturing power.

Role in WTO Accession

Among the most significant parts of Zhu's legacy was his active push to secure China's entry into the World Trade Organization during his time in office. That move opened the door for China's deeper integration into the global trading system and helped fuel its subsequent economic growth.

Zhu's policies shaped not only China's domestic economic development but also its position within international trade relations, effects that remain evident today.