PM Shehbaz Pays Tribute as China’s Zhu Rongji Dies at 97
Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji, one of the most influential economic reformers in modern China, has died in Beijing at the age of 97, prompting a condolence message from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and renewed attention to his role in shaping China’s global rise. The development was reported on Wednesday as leaders and observers reflected on a political career closely associated with discipline, reform and economic transformation.
Zhu served during a critical period when China was accelerating its shift from a tightly planned economy toward a more open and globally connected economic model. His time in senior office placed him at the centre of major decisions that affected industrial policy, state-owned enterprises, taxation, trade integration and China’s expanding engagement with the world.
Before becoming premier, Zhu held senior economic responsibilities as vice-premier from the early 1990s. He later served as China’s premier from 1998 to 2003, a period remembered for difficult reforms that helped prepare the country for deeper participation in global trade and faster industrial growth.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over Zhu’s death and described him as a major leader and a friend of Pakistan. In his message, the premier extended condolences to President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, the Chinese people and Zhu’s family, saying Pakistan shared China’s sorrow at the passing of a statesman remembered with respect in Islamabad.
Zhu’s legacy is closely tied to his reputation for blunt language and strict administrative style. Unlike many cautious officials of his generation, he was widely known for direct criticism of corruption, weak governance and wasteful financial practices, earning both admiration and controversy during years of major economic change.
His rise also reflected China’s turbulent political history. Born in Hunan province in 1928, Zhu studied electrical engineering at Tsinghua University and later entered public service. After suffering political setbacks during the Cultural Revolution era, he gradually returned to influence and eventually became mayor of Shanghai before moving into senior national leadership.
As premier, Zhu pushed reforms that reshaped China’s state sector, strengthened the central government’s fiscal position and supported changes in housing and industry. These measures were not without social cost, but they became part of the broader foundation that helped China expand manufacturing, trade and investment at a historic pace.
For Pakistan, Zhu’s passing carries diplomatic significance because China remains Islamabad’s closest strategic partner and one of its most important economic collaborators. Pakistan’s leadership often frames relations with Beijing as an iron brotherhood, and tributes to former Chinese leaders are closely watched as part of the wider relationship between the two countries.
The moment also comes at a time when Pakistan is seeking stronger economic stability, investment and regional connectivity. Zhu’s reform-driven legacy is likely to be studied in policy circles as an example of how disciplined governance, export orientation and long-term planning can reshape a country’s economic trajectory.
In the coming days, official condolences and diplomatic messages are expected to continue as China marks the death of one of its most consequential former leaders. Pakistan’s response signals that Zhu will be remembered not only as a Chinese reformer, but also as a figure linked to a long-standing friendship that remains central to Islamabad’s foreign policy.