Deng Xiao Ping
Deng began serving the Chinese Communist party in 1930, joining Mao Zedong and participating in the Long March. After the establishment of the Communist Government in 1949, Deng moved rapidly up the hierarchy, serving as deputy premier in 1954 and general secretary of the party from 1956-1966. He is credited with steering China in the direction of free market reforms and the creation of the “open door policy”, welcoming participation in the international community after a long period of cultural and political isolation under Chairman Mao..
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