Zhao Ziyang

Zhao Ziyang (October 17, 1919-January 17, 2005), formerly known as Zhao Xiuye, was born in Huaxian County, Anyang City, Henan Province, China. He was one of the second-generation main leaders of the Communist Party of China and the People's Republic of China. He served as Premier of the State Council (1980-1987) and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (1987-1989) in the 1980s.During his tenure as prime minister, he participated in initiating and leading the economic reforms that laid the foundation for mainland China's transformation from a closed-door planned economy to a global market economy. He also actively proposed and designed political system reform plans, combated corruption, and promoted the deepening of reform and opening up. In June 1989, Zhao Ziyang sympathized with the students, advocated resolving conflicts between the students and the government on the basis of democracy and the rule of law, and opposed the use of force to suppress it, therefore, he was dissatisfied with Deng Xiaoping, Chen Yun, Li Xiannian and Li Peng, and removed from all positions of the party and government. He spent the last 15 years of his life under house arrest and died on January 17, 2005.