Profession: Premier of the People's Republic of China
Biography: Zhou Enlai served as the first Premier of the People's Republic of China. He played a key role in shaping modern China and was particularly renowned for his diplomatic skills.
Zhou studied in Japan and France in his youth, where he developed his political views. He joined the Chinese Communist Party in 1921 and rose through its ranks. Zhou became a central figure during the Long March and the Sino-Japanese War.
In 1949, Zhou was appointed Premier of the newly formed People's Republic of China. He also served as Foreign Minister from 1949 to 1958. Zhou represented China at important international events, including the Geneva Conference in 1954 and the Bandung Conference in 1955.
Zhou survived the Cultural Revolution, despite being a target, and continued to work on improving China's foreign relations. In 1972, Zhou played a crucial role in normalizing relations with the United States, working with President Richard Nixon and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.
Throughout his life, Zhou adopted several orphans, including Sun Weishi and Li Peng. He was known for his tireless work ethic and charm. Zhou was diagnosed with cancer in 1972 but continued his duties until his death in 1976.
Zhou's passing led to an intensity of public mourning, with the resulting grief ultimately turning to anger at the Gang of Four—Jiang Qing, Zhang Chunqiao, Yao Wenyuan, and Wang Hongwen—with whom he had been embroiled in a feud before his death. This ultimately led to the Tiananmen Incident in April 1976.
Born: March 5, 1898
Birthplace: Huai'an, China
Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Pisces
Died: January 8, 1976 (aged 77)
Cause of Death: Bladder cancer
Historical Events
- 1952-08-20 Soviet leader Joseph Stalin meets Chinese premier Zhou Enlai
- 1955-04-11 Chartered Air India plane the "Kashmir Princess" is bombed and crashes into the South China Sea in a failed assassination attempt on Zhou Enlai by a Kuomintang secret agent
- 1972-02-22 US President Richard Nixon, meets with Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in Beijing
- 1972-02-27 US President Richard Nixon and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai issue Shanghai Communique
Personal Life
- 1925-08-08 China's Premier Zhou Enlai (27) weds Deng Yingchao (21) in Guangzhou
References
Famous Chinese
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