Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji passed away in Beijing today at the age of 98. As this “iron-fisted premier,” known for his tough style and bold reforms, has died, a classic statement he made on anti-corruption during his term has attracted renewed attention.
“I have prepared 100 coffins here—99 for corrupt officials, and one for myself.”
This phrase, widely circulated online as a ‘Zhu Rongji quote,’ is seen as a representative expression of his determination to fight corruption. According to a 2010 report by China Youth Online, this statement originated from Zhu Rongji’s speech at a central anti-corruption meeting in 1998. At the time, he emphasized that the problem of corruption must be solved, otherwise it would affect long-term peace and stability in the country, showing a stance of zero tolerance toward corruption.
A 2010 issue of ‘Ban Yue Tan’ also cited a similar version, mentioning that Zhu Rongji said he was preparing 100 coffins, 99 for corrupt officials and the last one left for himself, describing his resolve with the phrase “perish together” in the anti-corruption campaign.
The reason why this remark is still being repeatedly referenced years later is not only due to its forceful wording, but also because the phrase “the last one for myself” strikingly presents the risks and pressures that anti-corruption efforts may face.
Zhu Rongji served as Premier from 1998 to 2003, during which time he experienced major economic challenges such as the Asian Financial Crisis and promoted a series of economic reforms. According to Reuters, he became known in office for driving economic reform and modernization.
Now, as Zhu Rongji passes away, the long-circulated “100 coffins” statement is once again resurfacing, and it has become one of the most recognizable quotes when reviewing his political career and administrative style.
However, it is worth noting that the widely circulated online version—“I have prepared one hundred coffins, ninety-nine for corrupt officials, one for myself”—is not exactly the same as the specifics in official reports. Therefore, in news coverage, it is advisable to note this as a “widely circulated Zhu Rongji quote,” to avoid taking the online version as the verbatim original statement.