Wu Yi (politician)

Wu Yi (吴仪) (born November 1938) is a retired Chinese politician. She served as Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China from 2003 to 2008, achieving international recognition for her handling of the SARS epidemic in 2003 and her prominent role in trade negotiations with the United States and other countries.

Early Life and Education:

Wu Yi was born in Wuhan, Hubei province. She graduated from the Beijing Petroleum Institute (now China University of Petroleum) in 1962, specializing in petroleum refining.

Career:

Prior to her entry into national politics, Wu Yi held various technical and managerial positions in the petroleum industry. She rose through the ranks, becoming the general manager and party secretary of the Yanshan Petrochemical Corporation, one of China's largest petrochemical enterprises.

In 1991, she was appointed as Vice Minister of Foreign Economic Relations and Trade (MOFERT), which later became the Ministry of Commerce. She later became Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation in 1998.

Vice Premiership:

In 2003, Wu Yi was appointed Vice Premier of the State Council, overseeing areas such as health, foreign trade, and the State Food and Drug Administration. Her most prominent achievement during this period was her effective management of the SARS outbreak. She was praised for her decisiveness and transparency in dealing with the crisis, replacing the previous health minister and implementing strict control measures.

As Vice Premier, she also played a key role in China's trade relations with the United States and other countries. She was known for her tough negotiating skills and her ability to represent China's interests effectively. She frequently met with foreign dignitaries and business leaders to promote trade and investment.

Retirement:

Wu Yi retired from politics in 2008, having reached the age of 70. She left a legacy as one of China's most respected and influential female politicians. She was known for her integrity, her competence, and her dedication to public service. She was often referred to as the "Iron Lady of China" for her strong personality and uncompromising stance in negotiations.