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

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

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Zhu Rongji, Former Premier Who Pushed China to a Market Economy, Dies at 97

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As a vice premier and then premier, he helped transform China into the world’s leading manufacturing power and led his country into the World Trade Organization.

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BBC Published 12 August 2026

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

NYT Published 12 August 2026

Zhu Rongji, Former Premier Who Pushed China to a Market Economy, Dies at 97

As a vice premier and then premier, he helped transform China into the world’s leading manufacturing power and led his country into the World Trade Organization.

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