Zhou Enlai

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Zhou Enlai (1898–1976) Chinese statesman. Zhou was a founder of the Chinese Communist Party. As a member of the Communist-Kuomintang alliance (1924–27), he directed the general strike (1927) in Shanghai. When Chiang Kai-shek broke the alliance, Zhou joined the Long March (1934–35). He was the chief negotiator of a renewed peace (1936–46) with nationalist forces. After the establishment of a communist republic, Zhou became prime minister (1949–76) and foreign minister (1949–58). Although publicly supportive of the Cultural Revolution, he protected many of its intended victims.

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