China: Dong Biwu (1886-1975), Chairman of the People's Republic of China (jointly with Song Qingling) 1968-1975

Dong Biwu (Wade-Gles: Tung Pi-wu) was born in Huanggang, Hubei. In 1911 he joined the Tongmenghui, and participated in the Xinhai Revolution. Twice he went to Japan to study at Nihon University. In 1921 he attended the 1st Congress of the Communist Party of China as a representative of Wuhan. Mao Zedong and Dong Biwu were the only two men to attend both the 1st Congress and the establishment of the People's Republic of China at Tiananmen in 1949.

He was Vice Chairman of the People's Republic of China from 1959 until 1975, jointly with Song Qingling, and after 1968 he was - until 1972 jointly with Song Qingling - Acting President of the People's Republic of China. In 1975, the office of president was abolished and the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress - then Zhu De - became formal head of state. Dong was elected Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of People's National Congress.

Dong was a member of Politburo of the Communist Party of China from 1945 to 1975. He was elected one of nine members of the Standing Committee of the Politburo at 10th Congress of the Communist Party in 1973.

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