Zhu Rongji Dies at 98, Hong Kong Figures Pay Tribute
SingTao · 4 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji died in Beijing on August 12 at the age of 98. Tributes from Hong Kong focused on his role in mainland market reforms, the smooth transition of Hong Kong’s monetary system before and after the 1997 handover, and his repeated public backing for the city during difficult periods
Key Points
- China Central Television and Xinhua reported that Zhu Rongji died in Beijing at 11:06am on August 12 after medical treatment failed, aged 98.
- National Committee of the CPPCC vice-chairman and former Hong Kong chief executive Leung Chun-ying said Zhu drove land-use and housing reforms in Shanghai, calling it his “lifelong honour” to work under him
- Former Hong Kong Monetary Authority chief executive Joseph Yam recalled meeting then vice-premier Zhu at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in 1995 to discuss Hong Kong banknote issuance, saying Zhu’s command of detail left him “spinning.”
- Yam also said Zhu visited Hong Kong in 1997 and gave him a thumbs-up, telling him he had done a better job as monetary chief than Zhu himself
- Commentator Lau Siu-kai said Zhu’s push for China’s 2001 entry into the World Trade Organization proved transformative, while Tam Yiu-chung said Zhu’s 2002 remarks reassured Hong Kong after economic turmoil
- In a widely revisited 2000 press conference, Zhu warned that anyone pursuing Taiwan independence would “come to no good end” and said Beijing would support whoever upheld the one-China principle
- At a 2002 National People’s Congress press conference, Zhu jokingly rejected a Hong Kong media portrayal of him as someone who intimidated ordinary people, saying he only frightened corrupt officials
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the recollections underline Zhu’s direct involvement in two issues central to the city’s post-handover story: monetary continuity and confidence in “one country, two systems.” The renewed attention to his speeches also shows how his words on Hong Kong, reform and national sovereignty continue to shape official and public memory.