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Deng Xiaoping, 1979.

Deng, Xiaoping 1904- 1997

Deng Xiaoping 邓小平 was one of the most consequential Chinese and world leaders of the 20th century. A Chinese revolutionary, Deng held high-ranking positions within the Chinese Communist Party during the Mao Zedong era (1949-1976) but was purged and removed from power on two separate occasions. After the death of Mao in the late 1970s, Deng rose to preeminence within the CCP and presided over China during a period of rapid political and economic change. Although Deng’s name is synonymous with the policy of opening and reform and China’s fast-paced economic growth, Deng's legacy is complicated by his responsibility for the tragic, deadly crackdown at Tiananmen Square in June 1989.

Deng Xiaoping, 1979.

Popular Documents

July 31, 1958

First Conversation between N.S. Khrushchev and Mao Zedong, Hall of Huaizhentan [Beijing]

Mao Zedong and N.S. Khrushchev discuss a joint navy, use of China’s coastline and advisers in both countries.

October 9, 1964

Conversation between Comrade Beqir Balluku and Comrade Mao Zedong on 9 October 1964

Mao Zedong and Beqir Balluku ridicule Nikita Khrushchev and discuss the grievances that both Albania and China have towards the Soviet Union.

February 26, 1989

Memorandum of Conversation: President Bush's Meeting with Chairman Deng Xiaoping of the People's Republic of China, February 26, 1989, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Conversation between Deng Xiaoping and President George Bush on Sino-US relations. Deng expressed the hope that the bilateral relationship would develop in a "new pattern" based on mutual trust, mutual support, and minimizing as much as possible mutual problems. They also discussed the continued tensions between China and the Soviet Union,

May 16, 1989

Meeting between Mikhail Gorbachev and Deng Xiaoping (Excerpts)

Gorbachev and Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping discuss Sino-Soviet relations as well as relations with the United States.

December 2, 1975

Memorandum of Conversation between Mao Zedong and Gerald R. Ford

President Ford and Secretary Kissinger met with Chairman Mao and spoke about Chinese-U.S. relations, Japanese-U.S. relations, Chinese foreign relations with Japan and Western countries, NATO, the Sinai Agreement, and Soviet attempts to expand influence in Africa.