Chinese economic reformer Zhu Rongji dies aged 97

SCMP | Aug. 12, 2026, 6:01 a.m. | Original

Zhu Rongji, who was premier of China from 1998 to 2003, has died aged 97. Photo: Robert Ng
Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji, has died aged 97. Here, as Shanghai mayor in April 1988, he speaks after the first preliminary meeting of the 9th Shanghai People’s Congress. Photo: SCMP
Then Shanghai mayor Zhu Rongji addresses a press conference during a visit to Hong Kong on June 12, 1990. Photo: SCMP

Zhu, who served as China’s premier from 1998 to 2003, is remembered for tackling corruption, shaking up the centrally planned economy and overhauling the state-owned enterprise (SOE) sector.

Zhu Rongji helped drive China’s entry into the World Trade Organization. Photo: Reuters
Zhu Rongji helped drive China’s entry into the World Trade Organization. Photo: Reuters

Born in 1928 in Changsha, the capital of the central province of Hunan, Zhu graduated from Tsinghua University in 1951 with a degree in electrical engineering and joined the civil service, working on regional and national economic policy.

He rose to be vice-premier in charge of China’s economy between 1991 and 1998 before taking on the role of premier.

Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji concludes his final report to the annual session of the National People’s Congres in Beijing March 5, 2003. Photo: Reuters
Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji concludes his final report to the annual session of the National People’s Congres in Beijing March 5, 2003. Photo: Reuters

In the 1990s, when China’s high inflation, mounting debt and SOE losses threatened financial stability, Zhu targeted the risks by centralising fiscal policy, cutting red tape and closing or privatising failing enterprises.

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