## The Premier Who Made History in Beijing

### By Xiangqiu Wang

In history books and popular media, it is often said that Chinese leaders have always been the most powerful in their countries. This is because they are able to govern with great skill and make major decisions on time.

But what if we were to ask you, "What makes someone so special?" What if I asked you, "Who was the one who made history in Beijing? ", you might say, "I'm not sure."

The answer is: Zhou Enlai.

Zhou Enlai (1898-1976) was born into a wealthy family in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. His father, Zhou Shuhua, was a civil servant; his mother, Zhang Yuyi, was a doctor. At the age of eight, he entered the Imperial Academy for Military Training. In 1922, at the age of 14, he graduated from the Imperial University of Peking. After graduation, he worked as a teacher in the capital city of Beijing.

In 1925, Zhou Enlai joined the Communist Party of China and became a member of its Central Committee. As a young leader of the party, he played a significant role during the National Revolution, which began after World War I. During this period, he led the workers' movement in Beijing, organizing strikes against capitalists and fighting against landlords. Although he was involved in these struggles, he never abandoned his communist beliefs.

In 1932, Zhou Enlai was elected as the Secretary-General of the General Strike Council, which was launched by the Communist Party of China in response to the Japanese invasion of Manchuria. The strike was aimed at stopping the Japanese invaders from occupying Manchuria. Under the leadership of Zhou Enlai, the workers' movement in Beijing continued to develop. In May 1935, the Chinese People's Liberation Army occupied the North Korean border, marking the beginning of the nationwide war of resistance against Japan.

After the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, Zhou Enlai was appointed as the Minister of the Ministry of Public Security. In this position, he played a crucial role in the development of the country. He oversaw the construction of roads and bridges in many cities, including Wuhan, Nanjing, and Shanghai, which greatly facilitated economic and social development. He also directed the establishment of the Chinese People's Volunteers, which later became known as the People's Liberation Army of China. In 1949, under Zhou Enlai's guidance, the People's Liberation Army won the Battle of Menglianggu and advanced towards the enemy's rear bases in the East China Sea.

Throughout his career, Zhou Enlai remained committed to the principles of Marxism-Leninism and communism. He believed that only through revolutionary struggle could China achieve national independence and people's liberation. He advocated for the peaceful resolution of international disputes and proposed the principle of 'seeking common ground while reserving differences.' These ideas resonated deeply with the people and influenced the course of history.

Today, Zhou Enlai is remembered as a symbol of the Chinese people's spirit of sacrifice and dedication. His contributions to the country and the world continue to inspire millions of people today.

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