Paintings by Amedo Modigliani - Index

Paintings by Amedo Modigliani

CHOU EN-LAI
CHINA : AN ASTUTE STATESMAN
BORN : 1898 DIED : 1976

Chou En-Lai was one of the most powerful politicians of the Peoples Republic of China. For more thaan 25 years Chou En-Lai was Mao tsetung’s colleague and second in command in the leadership of people’s Republic of China. He played an important role in the establishment of communist rule in China. He was appointed as the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of China in 1949 because of his vast experience in foreign affairs and knowledge of many languages. He remained president of the ministerial council from 1958 to his death. Mao and Chou worked together. Mao provided the inspiration and Chou formulated it into practical action. It was the most trouble-free and fruitful relationship in power in history.

Chou En-Lai was born into a highly placed family in Southern China. His family was associated with the ruling royal family of China. He was educated at American Mission School at Peking. He traveled to many countries of Europe and sought external support for communist rule after the defeat of Marshal Chiang Kai Shek He had been deeply impressed by Russian revolution and the communist ideology. He organized communist parties in many towns and villages of China. He was with Mao in the famous “long march”.

Chou was an astute statesman. He formed personal rapport with Pt. Nehru and raised the slogan of Hindi Chini Bhai. It was then that Pt. Nehru formulated the five principles of Panchsheel for cordial relations between countries. The relationship between India and China deteriorated when China launched an attack on Indian in 1962 on border dispute along the Mc Mohan lines and act of occupation of Tibet.

ChouEn-Lai was however, one of the most charming personalities in China during this period—down –to earth, reasonable but at the same time tough and devoted to Chinese interests.