PoliticsFormer Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, who pushed China to join the WTO, dies

Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji died on August 12 at the age of 98. During his tenure from 1998 to 2003, he pursued a series of reforms and led efforts to secure China’s entry into the World Trade Organization. Some of his policies, including those involving grain and tax reform, remained controversial, with critics saying they left problems for his successors to address more cautiously. Zhu was also known for openly acknowledging official mistakes, accepting responsibility, and using jokes in public appearances to soften the image of Communist Party officials.