Meng Jianzhu, native of Wuxian County, Jiangsu Province, was born in July 1947. He joined the Communist Party of China (CPC) in June 1971.

He was a graduate in industrial systems engineering Master's course from the Shanghai Mechanical Engineering Institute.

Beginning his career in August 1968, Meng once worked as deputy secretary of the Shanghai Qianwei Farm Committee of the CPC, director of the Political Division and head of the farm.

He served as secretary of the CPC Shaxian County Committee of Shanghai Municipality from September 1986 to February 1990, secretary of the CPC Jiading County Committee during February 1990-March 1991, and secretary of the CPC Committee of the Shanghai Municipal Committee for Rural Work from March 1991 to July 1992.

He was deputy secretary-general of the Shanghai Municipal Government between July 1992-February 1993, vice mayor of Shanghai between February 1993-January 1996, and vice mayor and standing committee member of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee between January-October 1996.

In October 1996, Meng became deputy secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee.

He was delegate to the 14th CPC National Congress and is alternate member of the 15th CPC Central Committee.

In April 2001 he was appointed member, standing committee member and secretary of the CPC Jiangxi Provincial Committee.

In May 2001 he was elected chairman of the Standing Committee of the Ninth Jiangxi Provincial People's Congress at its Fifth Session.

In October 2007 he was appointed as the minister of Public Security.