Meaning: Zhu Rongji, a prominent Chinese politician and statesman, made this statement, expressing his sense of accomplishment in steering China through the challenges posed by the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s. As the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China from 1998 to 2003, Zhu Rongji played a crucial role in implementing economic reforms and policies to stabilize the Chinese economy and foster its rapid growth.

The Asian financial crisis, which began in 1997, had a profound impact on many countries in the region, including China. The crisis was triggered by a combination of factors, including currency devaluations, excessive borrowing, and financial speculation. As a result, many Asian economies faced severe economic downturns, currency depreciations, and banking crises. China, despite being relatively insulated from some of the immediate effects of the crisis, still experienced significant repercussions due to its close economic ties with the affected countries.

Zhu Rongji's leadership during this tumultuous period was instrumental in guiding China through the challenges and positioning the country for sustained economic growth. His emphasis on implementing reforms to modernize China's economy, improve financial regulation, and promote international trade helped to mitigate the impact of the crisis and set the stage for significant economic expansion in the years that followed.

One of Zhu Rongji's key contributions during this time was his commitment to restructuring China's state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and financial institutions. He recognized the need to address inefficiencies and weaknesses within these sectors, which were crucial for the overall health of the Chinese economy. By implementing reforms aimed at streamlining and modernizing SOEs, Zhu Rongji sought to enhance their competitiveness and efficiency, thereby contributing to the overall resilience of the Chinese economy in the face of external financial turbulence.

Additionally, Zhu Rongji pursued policies aimed at opening up China's markets to foreign investment and trade, recognizing the potential for economic growth through increased international engagement. His efforts to promote China's integration into the global economy and pursue trade liberalization initiatives helped to diversify the country's economic opportunities and reduce its vulnerability to regional financial shocks.

Zhu Rongji's commitment to economic stability and growth was also reflected in his determination to address fiscal and monetary challenges. He implemented measures to strengthen fiscal discipline, control inflation, and stabilize the currency, which were essential for restoring confidence in China's economic prospects and attracting investment.

Furthermore, Zhu Rongji's leadership during the Asian financial crisis demonstrated his ability to navigate complex economic challenges with a strategic and pragmatic approach. His willingness to confront difficult issues, implement bold reforms, and engage with international financial institutions showcased his determination to position China as a resilient and dynamic player in the global economy.

In conclusion, Zhu Rongji's statement reflects his pride in successfully steering China through the difficulties posed by the Asian financial crisis and leveraging the opportunities available to foster unprecedented economic growth. His leadership and vision during this period were instrumental in laying the groundwork for China's emergence as a major economic powerhouse in the 21st century. Zhu Rongji's legacy as a reformer and economic steward continues to resonate in the ongoing development and transformation of China's economy.