Zou Jiahua

In 1944, Zou Jiahua joined the New Fourth Army at the age of 18, and joined the Communist Party of China in 1945.[2]

From 1948 to 1955 Zou Jiahua studied first at the Harbin Institute of Technology, then later attended the Bauman Moscow State Technical University School of Mechanical Manufacturing, becoming proficient in Russian.[2] His career, like many others in his generation centred on industry. Upon his return to China in 1955, Zou worked as an engineer in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, where he worked as the chief engineer then director of the Second Machine Tool Plant. Eventually in 1973, Zou became the Director of the First Ministry of Machine-Building Industry.[3]

After 1973, Zou began serving in increasingly responsible positions in State Council bodies. In 1988, Zou became head of the State Planning Commission, where he made decisions to hold major conferences for the integration of Guangxi Province as well as for initiatives for the establishment of regional economic zones.[4] Zou was widely considered a strong proponent of central planning, and was quoted saying that "market mechanisms must take a backseat to economic planning." However, beginning in early 1992 he publicly echoed Deng Xiaoping's efforts to revive reform; as seen in an early 1992 speech where he praised Guangdong Province's accomplishments in economic reform and high economic growth.[5]

From 1991 to 1998, Zou served as the Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China, and was one of China's point men for negotiations with the west. In 1994, he travelled in Canada and the United States and with then American President Bill Clinton to discuss issues of trade and human rights.[6] As Vice Premier, Zou also visited Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and Germany; and the United States in 1986. He also played an important role in China's early efforts to acquire foreign military technology.[5]

From 1992 to 1997 Zou served as a member of the 14th CPC Central Committee and Politburo of China. He was an alternate member of the 11th Communist Party of China Central Committee, and a member of the 12th, 13th and 14th CPC Central Committees. He was a member of the Politboro of the 14th CPC Central Committee. In March 1998, Zou was elected vice-chairman of the 9th National People's Congress Standing Committee.[7]

• His father Zou Taofen (邹韬奋; 1895–1944) was a well-known intellectual, journalist, and political commentator in Shanghai in the 1930s.[8]
• His wife Ye Chumei (叶楚梅) is the daughter of Ye Jianying.[9]
• His brother Zou Jingmeng (邹竞蒙; 1929–1999) was head of the China Meteorological Administration and president of the World Meteorological Organization. In 1999, Zou Jingmeng was murdered in Beijing during a robbery.[10][11]