The term 'Former Chinese Premier' refers to two individuals, DENG Xiaoping and Zhou Enlai. DENG Xiaoping was a Chinese revolutionary and statesman who served as the paramount leader of the People's Republic of China from 1978 until his death in 1997. He is widely regarded as the 'chief architect' of modern China. Zhou Enlai was the first Premier of the People's Republic of China from 1949 until his death in 1976. He was a major figure in the early years of the People's Republic and was instrumental in the establishment of diplomatic ties with the United States and other countries.