Zhou Enlai was the first Premier of the People's Republic of China; serving from October 1949 until his death in January 1976.

Zhou was instrumental in the Communist Party's rise to power; and subsequently in the development of the Chinese economy and restructuring of Chinese society.

Soong Ch'ing-ling; Shanghai; 1920 (pinyin: Song Qingling; 27 January 1893 - 29 May 1981); also known as Madame Sun Yat-sen; was one of the three Soong sisters who; along with their husbands; were amongst China's most significant political figures of the early 20th century. She was the Vice Chairman of the People's Republic of China. She was the first non-royal woman to officially become head of state of China; acting as Co-Chairman of the Republic from 1968 until 1972.

She again became head of state in 1981; briefly before her death; as President of China. Soong is sometimes regarded as Asia's first female non-monarchial head of state; although her title of Honorary President of the People's Republic of China was purely ceremonial. Pictures From History Lu Xiangyou