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Deng Xiaoping Biography
Political Leader
One of the old guard of the Chinese Communist Party, Deng Xiaoping became the party's Secretary General in 1954, but was purged by Chairman Mao in 1966 for his strong objections to the excesses of the Great Leap Forward. By 1974 Deng had been "rehabilitated" and returned to power. After Mao's death, Deng was the de facto leader of China until he finally expired in 1997. He was succeeded by his protege Jiang Zemin.
Extra credit: Deng lived and studied in Paris from 1920-26.
Four Good Links
Obituary for Deng Xiaoping
With a focus on him as an economic traillazer
Deng Xiaoping
Detailed and detached political histor
Deng Xiaoping Pictorial
Lots of annotated photos from throughout his long career
Asian of the Century
Asia Week magazine's feature describes his impact
Vital Stats
Birth
Birthplace
Paifang, Sichuan province, China
Death
19 February 1997
(respiratory failure, age 92)
Best Known As
Leader of China, 1978-89