Zhu Rongji, who helped turn China into a trading giant, dies at 97 - BBC News

The former premier brought China into the WTO and championed reforms that fuelled growth.

Image source, Boston Herald via Getty ImagesByLaura Bicker, China correspondent, Reporting fromBeijing and Chen Yan, BBC Chinese, Reporting fromHong KongPublished12 August 2026Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, who spearheaded China's entry into global trade and laid the foundation for its explosive growth, has died at the age of 97.

He served in the country's second-highest office from 1998-2003 and played a leading role in securing its entry into the World Trade Organization, opening Chinese factories to the international market and drawing foreign investment.

He was one of the most important economic reformers who moved local tax powers to the central government, closed or privatised failing state firms and promoted home ownership.

Many in China remember him as a tough and pragmatic leader who delivered double-digit growth and was rarely afraid to speak his mind.

In 1998, he said China was facing "many potential crises that could erupt at any time...