Zhu Rongji’s legacy: how the late premier reshaped state firms, Pudong and China’s economy

Turn-of-the-century images of Zhu Rongji alongside former US president Bill Clinton have largely accompanied coverage following the former Chinese premier’s death on Wednesday. The moment in April 1999 was more than a diplomatic milestone. It underpinned some of China’s most consequential reforms that defined Zhu’s tenure, from its drive to join the World Trade Organization to an overhaul of the state sector and opening its markets to the world. And in recent years, Zhu’s historic trip to...