Zhu Rongji

He is rarely seen speaking from a script. As global firms scrambled to avoid missing the China boom FDI in China rose by 22. As a hydrologist Zhu grasped the impact such water savings multiplied by China's huge population could have on China's infrastructure.

Premier Zhu was also widely known for his charisma and tasteful humour. A tough administrator his time in office saw the continued double-digit growth of the Chinese economy and China's increased assertiveness in international affairs.