Zou Jiahua


Zou Jiahua is a retired high-ranking politician of the People's Republic of China. He served as China's Vice Premier from 1991 to 1998, Vice-Chairman of the 9th National People's Congress from 1998 to 2003, and was a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China from 1992 to 1997.

Early life and career

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

Later career

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. 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.
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. 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.
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.

Family

YearInformation
1999Member, Macao SAR Preparatory Committee, Government Delegation, Macao Hand-Over Ceremony
1998–2003Vice-Chairman, 9th NPC Standing Committee
1997–2002Delegate, 15th CPC, National Congress
1996–????Head, State Leading Group for Information
1993–1998Member, 8th National People's Congress
1992–1997Member, 14th CPC Central Committee, Politburo
1991–1998Vice-Premier, State Council
1989–1991Chairman, National Development and Reform Commission
1988–1989Minister, Ministry of Machinery and Electronics Industry
1987–1992Member, 13th CPC Central Committee
1986–1988Minister-in-Charge, State Machine-Building Industry Commission
1982–1987Member, 12th CPC Central Committee
1982–1985Vice-Minister, State Administration for Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence
1977–1982Alternate Member, 11th CPC Central Committee
1973–1982Director, First Ministry of Machine-Building Industry, Machine Tool Research Institute
1973–1982Secretary, First Ministry of Machine-Building Industry, Machine Tool Research Institute CPC, Party Committee
1973–1982Deputy Director, Office of National Defense Industry, Director, No.2 Machine Tool Plant Liaoning Province, Shenyang City
1955–????Chief Engineer, No.2 Machine Tool Plant Liaoning Province, Shenyang City
1945Joined, Communist Party of China
1944Joined, People's Liberation Army