 |
 Chou Enlai
served as the first Premier of the People's
Republic of China, in which capacity he attempted
to restore order after the long civil war. |
 Deng Xiaoping
was the central figure behind
China's political and cultural thaws and its
modernization drive during the early 1980's. He
developed close ties with Japan and the United
States, and oversaw the agreement with Britain
that resulted in Hong Kong being returned to
China in 1997. |
 Mao Zedong
played a pivotal part in the formation of the
People's Republic of China, and served as its
first Chairman. During the latter part of his
tenure he oversaw establishment of diplomatic
relations with the United States and the
expansion of markets for Chinese goods. |
 Hu Yaobang
served as General Secretary from 1982 to 1987.
During his time in office he was known as a
dedicated reformer and one of Deng Xiaoping's
closest associates. His death in 1989 sparked
massive demonstrations in Tiananmen Square. |
 Zhao Ziyang
served as Premier from 1980 to 1989. Under his
guidance, China's light industry
and agriculture saw marked improvements in
output, trade with the United States increased
tenfold, and American companies were encouraged
to invest in China. |
