Zhu Rongji's style was tough enough to attract the nicknames Boss and Madman Zhu. (AP PHOTO) Credit: AAPFormer Chinese premier and economic reformer Zhu Rongji has died at age 97, according to state media. Zhu clashed with Communist Party conservatives and state industry bosses as he pushed state-owned companies to become efficient and profitable. Named premier in 1998 at age 69, Zhu became a popular figure by criticising official bungling and graft and accepting blame when the government fell short. His demanding style earned him the nicknames Boss and Zhu Fengzi, or Madman Zhu.