Zhu Tong graduated from Beijing Foreign Affairs University. She joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1990 and interpreted for several Chinese leaders. She became well-known to the public in 1998 because of her outstanding bilingual ability when she interpreted for then Premier Zhu Rongji in the first press conference after he took office. Example of Zhu Tong's interpretation: No matter what is waiting for me in front of me, be it landmines or an abyss, I will blaze my trail and I have no hesitation and no misgivings and I will do all my best and contribute, devote all myself to the people and the country until the last day of my life.