Zheng is recognized for coining the term "China's peaceful rise" as part of a Ministry of State Security (MSS) influence operation.

He joined the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 1952 and two years later completed postgraduate work in political economics at the Renmin University of China.

[citation needed] Having held many official posts, Zheng the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy in 2010 and serves as its chairman (CIIDS).

The conferences were attended by former heads of state including: Ernesto Zedillo, Ricardo Lagos, Paul Keating, Kevin Rudd, and Gordon Brown.

[citation needed] Zheng’s work has focused on China’s rise on the international stage, including planning for and commitment to a peace and sustainable prosperity.