Heavy loss in world politics: former prime minister died at the age of 97

The Chinese news agency "Xinhua" confirmed today, Wednesday, that Zhu Rongji, one of the most influential prime ministers in the history of modern China, passed away in Beijing at the age of 97 after a struggle with illness.

Zhu Rongji passed away at a hospital in Beijing. The Communist Party published an official statement of mourning that praised his great leadership, integrity, and economic work. Zhu Rongji was considered the "economic czar" of China, and the bold steps he led in the 90s and early 2000s shaped its transformation into the second-largest economic power in the world.

Zhu Rongji led the complex negotiations that brought about China's admission to the World Trade Organization. This step opened the country to foreign investment, boosted exports, and turned it into the global manufacturing hub. He closed or privatized thousands of loss-making state-owned companies. Although the move led to the dismissal of tens of millions of workers, it saved the public sector from collapse and increased market competitiveness.

Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji died of illness in Beijing at 11:06 a.m. Wednesday.

Zhu had served as a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the 14th and 15th Central Committees of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

As vice premier and governor of the Central Bank in the 90s, he led a tough monetary policy that stopped high inflation. He also acted decisively to reduce bureaucracy and government corruption.

Zhu Rongji will be remembered for his direct, sharp, and pragmatic leadership style, which placed economic growth and structural stability at the top of the priority list.