Ex-Chinese leader who kick-started country's economic growth dies at 98

One of China’s former premiers, widely regarded as one of the principal architects of the economic reforms that helped transform the country into a global economic powerhouse, has died at the age of 98 following a prolonged illness.

Zhu Rongji served as premier of the State Council from 1998 to 2003, a period during which he oversaw sweeping reforms to China’s state-owned enterprise sector, Caliber.Az reports citing Chinese media outlets.

He worked to clarify ownership rights and separate government responsibilities from commercial operations as Beijing sought to modernise its economy.

One of Zhu’s most significant achievements came in China’s negotiations to join the World Trade Organisation. Under his leadership, Beijing navigated difficult negotiations that culminated in China becoming a WTO member in 2001, a milestone that accelerated the country’s integration into the global economy and international markets.

Zhu also played an important role in maintaining stability in Hong Kong following the territory’s handover to China in 1997. During his premiership, he additionally directed Beijing’s response to the Asian financial crisis, helping China navigate a period of significant regional economic turbulence.

After stepping down as premier in 2003, Zhu remained supportive of China’s central leadership and continued to advocate efforts to tackle corruption.

His legacy is closely associated with the economic transformation of China in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when the country was rapidly expanding its role in the global economy.

By Nazrin Sadigova