Deng Xiaoping

Deng Xiaoping {{Audio|zh-Deng_Xiaoping.ogg|listen}} ({{zh-stpw |t=鄧小平 |s=邓小平 |p=Dèng Xiǎopíng |w=Teng Hsiao-p'ing}}; August 22, 1904—February 19, 1997) was a revolutionary elder in the Communist Party of China (CPC) who served as the de facto ruler of the People's Republic of China from the late 1970s to the early 1990s, forming the core of the "second generation" CPC leadership. Under his tutelage, China developed one of the fastest growing economies in the world while the Communist Party retained tight control over the country.

Death and reaction

Deng Xiaoping died on February 19, 1997, at age 92, but his influence continued. At 1.5 meters (4 feet 11 inches), Chinese often called him "The Short Giant"(矮巨人) as Deng was short yet powerful. Even though Jiang Zemin was in firm control, government policies still followed Deng's ideas, thoughts, methods, and direction. The Central Government called Deng the "Great Marxist, Great Proletarian Revolutionary, politician, militarist, diplomat; one of the main leaders of the Communist Party of China, the People's Liberation Army of China, and the People's Republic of China; The great architect of China's socialist opening-up and modernized construction; the founder of Deng Xiaoping theory". Solemn tunes of funeral music played on television, radio and on the streets. China was in an official state of mourning. On February 19, the CCTV Xinwen Lianbo at 7PM was extended for around three hours from the normal half-hour time. News coverage was lengthened for a week for the events related to Deng's death.

Related Topics:
February 19 - 1997 - Communist Party of China - People's Liberation Army - CCTV

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At 10 AM on the morning of February 24, people from all walks of life in the whole nation paused in silence in unison for three minutes. The nation's flags flew at half-mast for over a week. During the nationally televised funeral of Deng that was broadcast on all cable channels, Jiang Zemin's emotional eulogy to the late reformist leader declared, "The Chinese people love Comrade Deng Xiaoping, thank Comrade Deng Xiaoping, mourn for Comrade Deng Xiaoping, and cherish the memory of Comrade Deng Xiaoping because he devoted his life-long energies to the Chinese people, performed immortal feats for the independence and liberation of the Chinese nation". Jiang vowed to continue Deng's policies. After the funeral, Deng was cremated and his ashes were subsequently sent into China's rivers, according to his wishes.

Related Topics:
February 24 - Half-mast - Jiang Zemin

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There was a significant amount of international reaction to Deng's death. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Deng was to be remembered "in the international community at large as a primary architect of China's modernization and dramatic economic development". French President Jacques Chirac said "In the course of this century, few men have, as much as Deng Xiaoping, led a vast human community through such profound and determining changes"; British Prime Minister John Major commented about Deng's key role in the return of Hong Kong to Chinese control. The Taiwan presidential office also sent its condolences, saying it longed for peace, cooperation, and prosperity. The Dalai Lama voiced regret.

Related Topics:
UN Secretary-General - Kofi Annan - French President - Jacques Chirac - John Major - Dalai Lama

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In the year that followed, songs like "Story of the Spring" by Dong Wenhua, which were created in Deng's honour shortly after Deng's Southern Tour in 1992, once again were widely played. The CCTV-1 network ran a lengthy documentary series on Deng's life.

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