Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji steps back into the spotlight at elite Tsinghua University

Former premier Zhu Rongji paid a low-key visit to his alma mater Tsinghua University, mainland media reported on Wednesday.

Beijing Daily’s WeChat account showed a picture of a grey-haired Zhu, 87, visiting the campus but did not specify the date or any details of the appearance.

The former premier graduated from Tsinghua with a degree in electrical engineering in 1951.

He had pledged to return to the university every four years, making visits in 2007 and 2011.

In 2011, Zhu celebrated Tsinghua’s centennial and spoke to students about the importance of honesty and sticking to the truth.

In a note to students, Zhu said: “No matter what’s ahead of you, whether it’s a field of landmines or a bottomless chasm, one should proceed without hesitation, devoting oneself until the end of the day.”