Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji dies

China’s former Premier, Zhu Rongji has died at the age of 97, reports the South China Morning Post. He shook up the centrally planned economy, overhauled the state-owned business sector, fought corruption, revamped the tax system and secured China’s entry to the World Trade Organization–changes that some economists say brought about a historic transformation in China’s economic system, ushering in a modern state and making it an integral part of the world economy.

His straight-talking, no-nonsense style earned him a host of nicknames–including “iron-face Zhu”, “no-nonsense leader”, “problem solver”, “fire-brigade captain”, “crisis manager” and “troubleshooter”.