Our Maverick Premier Takes an Alma Mater Bow

Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji emerged briefly from retirement April 22 for a rare public appearance at a centenary celebration for his alma mater, Tsinghua University. Wearing a casual dark Harrington jacket which set off his white hair, he did not disappoint the waiting audience.

Zhu spoke with trademark candor, sometimes to the discomfort of the education minister and the university president who were sitting in the audience. He urged students to speak honestly and do "real things." Wryly, he enjoined that his remarks were off-the-record – and instantly got a round of applause.