Zhu Rongji, the "economic czar" who helped turn China into a world power, dies at 97

Zhu Rongji, the former Premier of China who served from 1998 to 2003, has died in Beijing at the age of 97. Widely recognized as the "economic czar," he was a central figure in the implementation of China's market-oriented reforms during his tenure.

Zhu is credited with transforming China into a global economic power through his bold policy initiatives. He was noted for his direct leadership style and reputation for austerity, leaving a lasting legacy on the nation's trajectory toward becoming a major international force.