Beijing
Zhu Rongji, the man behind China’s economic transformation to a market economy, stepped down as prime minister this week, in the country’s most peaceful Communist power transfer. His successor, Wen Jiabao, is a quiet, unassuming person, a stark contrast to the forceful, dynamic Zhu. “It is generally believed that I’m quite mild-tempered,” Wen said. “But I am also someone with principle, with determination.” As a party official, Wen accompanied a superior on a sympathetic visit to striking students in Tiananmen Square in 1989, shortly before the government began killing the protesters. His boss was jailed for the incorrect behavior, but Wen was not disciplined.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
The Pentagon faces an uncertain future with TrumpTalking Point The president-elect has nominated conservative commentator Pete Hegseth to lead the Defense Department
-
This is what you should know about State Department travel advisories and warningsIn Depth Stay safe on your international adventures
-
'All Tyson-Paul promised was spectacle and, in the end, that's all we got'Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
