WorldFormer Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji dies at 97: a blunt reformer who modernized China’s economy, he tackled corruption concerns and pushed state-owned reformsFormer Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji (C) leaves after the opening of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China October 18, 2017. (Reuters)BEIJING: Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, who died on Wednesday aged 97, was never one to mince his words. A 2011 file photo of a woman browses a book of China's former premier Zhu Rongji at a bookstore in Beijing. At the time, many Chinese officials feared he had made so many concessions to gain entry that China's economy would be hobbled. A 1995 file photo of Zhu Rongji.