Former premier Zhu Rongji has died at the age of 98.

According to Xinhua News Agency, he died of illness in Beijing.shortly after 11am on Wednesday.

Zhu served as premier from 1998 to 2003 and was a Politburo Standing Committee member between 1993 and 2003.

An obituary jointly issued by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, the National People's Congress Standing Committee, the State Council and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference praised Zhu as an excellent Party member, a time-tested and loyal communist fighter, and an outstanding proletarian revolutionist, statesman and leader of the Party and the state.

Zhu is best remembered for implementing market reforms that helped drive China's economic rise, and leading the country into the World Trade Organization.

Chief Executive John Lee expressed his profound sorrow over the passing of the former premier and extended his deepest condolences to Zhu's family.

"Former Premier Zhu had all along held the development of Hong Kong close to his heart and supported the city's growth," Lee said in a statement.

"He had visited Hong Kong on multiple occasions in his different positions, reaching out to Hong Kong people from all walks of life. He had remained committed to firmly upholding the principles of 'one country, two systems', 'Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong' and a high degree of autonomy, and maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong," Lee added.

"During his premiership, Mr Zhu had supported Hong Kong in staying united and striving to leverage its strengths amid such challenges as the Asian financial crisis, resolutely upholding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong as an international financial centre.

"I am sincerely grateful for his care and support for Hong Kong's economic and social development over the years." (Additional reporting by Xinhua)



Edited by Cecil Wong