Zhu Rongji: Architect of China's Economic Rise | Calgary News

Zhu Rongji, the iron-willed architect of China’s economic revolution, has died at 97 — leaving behind a legacy of bold reforms that turned China into the world’s second-largest economy. As premier from 1998 to 2003, he dismantled bureaucratic inertia, forced state-owned enterprises to compete, and clashed fiercely with conservatives — sparking painful layoffs but unleashing unprecedented growth. Once exiled for daring to push reform, Zhu earned nicknames like “Madman Zhu” for his blunt style and famously vowed to prepare 99 coffins for corrupt officials — one for himself. His vision reshaped China’s tax system, ignited a housing boom by selling state apartments, and culminated in China’s WTO entry in 2001. A titan of modern China, Zhu didn’t just manage change — he engineered it. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/b3d002be62e06ea1