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SCMP

Credited as a co-engineer of one of the greatest economic reforms in human history, former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji died on August 12, 2026, at the age of 97.
We have put together seven stories from the South China Morning Post’s coverage of Zhu’s death. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
1. Zhu Rongji, China’s chief engineer of economic reform, dies aged 97

2. Zhu Rongji: leading China’s transformation through ‘minefield or abyss’
“Regardless of what lies ahead – be it a minefield or a deep abyss – I will forge ahead unswervingly, dedicating my entire life and energy to the country until my dying day.” Those words, spoken at the dawn of his premiership, came to define Zhu Rongji, China’s towering economic reformer who died in Beijing at the age of 97.
3. How Zhu Rongji’s economic legacy endures in China after former premier’s death

Turn-of-the-century images of Zhu Rongji alongside former US president Bill Clinton have largely accompanied coverage following the former Chinese premier’s death. The moment in April 1999 was more than a diplomatic milestone.
4. John Lee leads tributes as Zhu Rongji remembered for putting steel in Hong Kong’s spine
Hong Kong’s leader has expressed his profound sorrow over the death of former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji, paying tribute to him for supporting the city in challenging times including the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
5. The 11 key achievements of China’s ‘iron premier’ Zhu Rongji – in his own words

Known for his sharp intellect, no-nonsense demeanour and relentless drive for reform, China’s former premier Zhu Rongji was the primary architect of the country’s transition from an isolated, rigidly planned economy to a market-driven titan connected to the rest of the world.
6. China’s Zhu Rongji remembered as chief engineer of economic transformation
Born in 1928, Zhu Rongji graduated with an electrical engineering degree before entering the civil service, working on economic policy at both regional and national levels. He became mayor in 1988 and the chief of China’s Communist Party in Shanghai in 1989, and then rose to become vice-premier, before serving as premier from 1998 to 2003.
7. Malaysian PM recalls relationship ‘well beyond affairs of state’ with Zhu Rongji

Tributes have been flooding in for former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji, the reformist statesman who played a leading role in integrating China’s economy into the global system and charmed neighbouring countries with his candid diplomacy.


Remembering Zhu Rongji and understanding his legacy

Zhu Rongji’s personal touch is not easily forgotten

Chinese President Xi Jinping pays tribute to late former premier Zhu Rongji

Chinese President Xi Jinping leads party elite in final farewell for ex-premier Zhu Rongji

Zhu Rongji

The death of Zhu Rongji, China’s economic reformer

Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji during his visit to Hong Kong in 2002. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

Zhu Rongji was premier of China from 1998 to 2003. Photo: Robert Ng

Former US president Bill Clinton (right) and former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji appear at a press conference in April 1999. Photo: AFP

As mayor of Shanghai, Zhu Rongji (right) leads an economic delegation to Hong Kong in June 1990. Photo: Robert Ng

Zhu Rongji pictured in 1996 with Anwar Ibrahim, who remembered the Chinese premier as a “good friend”. Photo: AFP 

China tests canal link to Southeast Asia; rocket failure concerns: SCMP’s 7 highlights

A Chinese maritime patrol vessel completes the first full navigation test of the Pinglu Canal. Photo: Handout


Soon after Monday’s launch, both the rocket and satellite were lost over the South China Sea. Photo: Social media screenshot

Zhu Rongji (right) meets Charlene Barshefsky (left), US trade representative at the time, in Beijing in March 1999. Photo: AFP

An online clip of the incident shows the attacker, armed with a knife, approaching security guards. Photo: Handout

South Korean actors Jung Hae-in (left) and Ha Young in a still from Netflix’s “Our Sticky Love”. Photo: Netflix

As China deepens reforms, Zhu Rongji’s legacy serves as an inspiration

Zhu Rongji, who was premier of China from 1998 to 2003, has died aged 97. Photo: Robert Ng


Hu Jintao, Zhu Rongji on the list as China’s top leaders send 130 Lunar New Year wishes

President Xi Jinping raises his glass next to former premier Wen Jiabao during a National Day reception in Beijing last September 30. Wen is among retired seniors who received greetings from the top leadership in recent days. Photo: Reuters

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China

From world leaders paying their respects to his economic legacy, here is some of the SCMP’s reporting on Zhu Rongji’s death


From world leaders paying their respects to his economic legacy, here is some of the SCMP’s reporting on Zhu Rongji’s death.


The death of Zhu Rongji, China’s economic reformer

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}From world leaders paying their respects to his economic legacy, here is some of the SCMP’s reporting on Zhu Rongji’s death

1. Zhu Rongji, China’s chief engineer of economic reform, dies aged 97

From world leaders paying their respects to his economic legacy, here is some of the SCMP’s reporting on Zhu Rongji’s death