Li Peng

Chinese communist politician, a member of the Politburo from 1985, and prime minister 1987–98. A conservative hardliner, during the pro-democracy demonstrations of 1989 he supported the massacre of students by Chinese troops and the subsequent execution of others. He sought improved relations with the USSR and favoured maintaining firm central and party control over the economy. In March 1998 Li stepped down as prime minister, being replaced by the more reformist Zhu Rongji, and was elected chairman of the National People's Congress (China's parliament). He stepped down as NPC chairman in March 2003.