Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji passed away on August 12th at the age of 98 due to illness. Zhu Rongji served as Premier from 1998 to 2003 under then-President Jiang Zemin. He was a key figure in China’s economic reforms, particularly its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Known for his direct and pragmatic approach, Zhu oversaw significant changes in China's state-owned enterprises and financial sector. His policies aimed to modernize the Chinese economy and integrate it into the global market. Details regarding a formal memorial service have not yet been released by Chinese authorities. His death marks the end of an era for China’s economic liberalization.