He became Shanghai's party secretary in 1991, succeeding Zhu Rongji, leading him to assume a seat in the CCP Politburo in 1992.

He became the country's third-ranking Vice Premier of the State Council in 1995, with a portfolio including state-owned enterprises and the construction of the Three Gorges Dam.

At the first session of the 11th National People's Congress, he was re-elected as Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee on 15 March 2008,[6] becoming the first person to serve as the NPCSC Chair for more than two terms since Zhu De.

Although the remarks were left open to interpretation, they generated significant controversy in Hong Kong, with pro-democracy politicians calling it a challenge on the autonomy of the territory.

[9] In his capacity as NPCSC chair, Wu delivered an annual address each year at the National People's Congress sessions in March.

[11] Wu retired from the CCP Politburo Standing Committee at the 18th Party Congress in November 2012, and was succeeded as NPCSC chairman by Zhang Dejiang in March 2013.

[4] Similar to other retired top-ranking officials in China, Wu stopped making public appearances except to attend important events such as the National Day celebration.

[4] A farewell ceremony was held on 14 October; Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, Han Zheng and other leaders paid their final respects at the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery, while Hu Jintao sent a wreath.

[12] National flags were flown at half-mast at Chinese government buildings, diplomatic missions, and in Hong Kong and Macau.