Beijing, Aug 2026 : China lowered the national flag at government buildings to pay tribute to former Premier Zhu Rongji following his death. The 97-year-old former Chinese premier died last week and was regarded as one of the leading figures behind China’s economic reforms.
Zhu Rongji served as China’s Vice Premier from 1991 to 1998 and as Premier from 1998 to 2003. During the 1990s, he pushed through several major reforms that transformed China’s economy. His tenure saw efforts to control inflation, reforms in the banking and taxation systems and sweeping changes to state-owned enterprises. While these reforms affected jobs in several state-run companies, they also helped China integrate more deeply with global markets.
Zhu’s policies helped pave the way for China’s entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO). China became a WTO member in 2001, significantly expanding its participation in the global economy.
Following his death, people across China remembered Zhu on social media, although some expressed differing views about his tenure and legacy. Security was tightened in Beijing ahead of his funeral, particularly around Tiananmen Square. Chinese authorities remain cautious about public sentiment and political reactions following the deaths of former national leaders.
In a 1988 conversation with officials in Shanghai, Zhu had said that his principle was to maintain independent thinking and express his genuine views. He faced several challenges throughout his political career.
