CHINA'S economic czar Zhu Rongji is often portrayed as a stern, tough-minded politician, totally preoccupied with the arduous task of getting to grips with China's economic problems.
However, students at Beijing's prestigious Qinghua University saw the lighter side of the executive Vice-Premier a few weeks ago when he gave a speech at the university's economic management institute.
Mr Zhu, who happens to be president of the institute as well as governor of the People's Bank of China and a member of the politburo's standing committee, demonstrated that he not only had a detailed and comprehensive understanding of China's economic and financial system, but also a sense of humour.
In discussing China's complex tax reforms which are being implemented this year, Mr Zhu noted that changing the tax system was the ''most unpopular'' and potentially dangerous of all economic reforms.
''Three Japanese governments have fallen because of attempts to reform the taxation system. In Britain, Mrs [Margaret] Thatcher was forced out because of the poll tax and I myself have already started preparing for my own demise,'' he said.
''However, at the moment things are looking good and no major problems have emerged,'' he added, much to the relief of his fans in the audience.
In a nearly two-hour address, regularly interrupted by enthusiastic bursts of applause, Mr Zhu covered everything from the stock market to loss-making enterprises and financial reform and even found time to throw in a few jokes.