Hua Guofeng

Hua Guofeng or Hua Kuo-feng , 1920-2008, Chinese Communist leader. He was relatively unknown until he became minister of public security and deputy premier in 1975. As Mao Zedong 's designated heir, he became premier following Zhou Enlai 's death (Jan., 1976) and chairman of the Chinese Communist party when Mao died (Sept., 1976). Responsible for the arrest (Oct., 1976) of the Gang of Four, which was led by Jiang Qing , Mao's wife, Hua was nonetheless a transitional leader and was soon eased out of power by Deng Xiaoping . He was replaced by Zhao Ziyang as premier in 1980, and by Hu Yaobang as party chairman in 1981. Hua resigned from the Politburo in 1982 but remained a member of the party's Central Committee until 1997.

Hua Guofeng (or Hua Kuo-feng) (1920– ) Chinese statesman. Hua won a succession of key posts between 1968 and 1975, becoming acting Premier after the death of ZHOU ENLAI in 1976. He succeeded MAO ZEDONG as chairman of the Central Committee, having defeated a challenge from the GANG OF FOUR. Hua resigned as Premier in 1980 and as chairman in 1981. He was re-elected to the CCP Central Committee in 1987 and again in 1992.

Hua Guofeng (c.1920– ) ( Hua Kuofeng) Chinese statesman, premier (1976–80), chairman (1976–81) of the Chinese Communist Party. After the death (1976) of Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, Hua was responsible for the arrest of the Gang of Four. His pragmatic approach to domestic and foreign policy led to his isolation within the party. The rising power of Deng Xiaoping led to Hua being replaced by Zhao Ziyang as premier and Hu Yaobang as party chairman.