Deng Xiao Ping

1904- 1998

Chinese Politician

Chinese statesman Deng Xiao Ping joined the Communist party in Paris in 1924. He took part in the "Long March" with Mao Tse Tung and served as Political Commissar to the People's Liberation Army. In 1955, Deng became a member of the Communist Chinese politburo. In 1966, during the Cultural Revolution, he was branded a "capitalist" and sent for re-education.

He was rehabilitated in 1973, becoming Vice Premier. With the death of Chou En Lai in 1976, he was once again exiled, but after protest ensued, returned in 1977. Deng led the economic reform movement in China.