Zhao Ziyang
Zhao Ziyang (1919– ) Chinese statesman, who played a leading part in China's economic modernization. Zhao joined the Chinese Communist Party in 1938, and during the 1960s acted as party secretary of Guangdong province. He was dismissed by Mao Zedong during the Cultural Revolution, but rehabilitated and restored to his post in 1971. In 1975, he was appointed party secretary of Sichuan province. Zhao introduced radical economic reforms, which vastly improved industrial and agricultural production. He became premier in 1980. In 1987, Li Peng replaced him as premier and Zhao became general secretary. With the support of Deng Xiaoping, his liberal economic reforms moved China towards a market economy. In 1989, Zhao was dismissed from office and placed under house arrest for advocating negotiation with the pro-democracy demonstrators in Tiananmen Square.
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Zhao Ziyang
