PoliticsFormer Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji dies at 98

Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, known as the “iron-blooded premier,” died in Beijing on Aug. 12 at the age of 98. He was remembered for forcefully advancing reforms in taxation, finance and state-owned enterprises, as well as leading China’s entry into the World Trade Organization. Some recalled his firm reform agenda, while others remembered his humor and outspokenness, or the pain caused by state-enterprise changes. Zhu also visited Singapore in 1999, studying its housing and Jurong industrial district. His death marks the departure of a major figure from China’s reform era.