Li Xiannian was a Chinese Communist military and political leader, president of the People's Republic of China from 1983 to 1988 under paramount leader Deng Xiaoping and then chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference from 1988 until his death. He was a full member of the Politburo from 1956 to 1987, and of its Standing Committee from 1977 to 1987.
Li in the People's Liberation Army during the Civil War (1946)
Li with Nicolae Ceaușescu prior to the 30th anniversary of the liberation of Romania, 22 August 1974
Li with his wife Lin Jiamei and Ronald Reagan (1985)
Li as President, 1985
President of the People's Republic of China
The President of the People's Republic of China, commonly called the President of China, is the state representative of the People's Republic of China, which on its own is a ceremonial office and has no real power in China's political system. However, since 1993, the post has been held by the general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and chairman of the Central Military Commission, who is China's de facto leader.
President of the People's Republic of China
Mao Zedong (27 September 1954 – 27 April 1959; Chairman of the Central People's Government 1 October 1949 – 27 September 1954)
Liu Shaoqi (27 April 1959 – 31 October 1968)
Dong Biwu (Vice-Chairman acted as the Chairman 31 October 1968 – 24 February 1972; Acted Chairman 24 February 1972 – 17 January 1975)
