In 1978, Deng Xiaoping became a leading member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In contrast to Mao Zedong, he helped start the implementation of a free-market system in China. He also opened China to international trade. He remained an influential adviser to the CCP until his death in 1997.

Deng Xiaoping rose to power at a time when many Chinese citizens were starving because of Mao's failed economic policies. In 1978, he led China through an economic reform program. This allowed the citizens to engage in private enterprise and international trade.

Deng Xiaoping started the trend of designating special economic zones in China where capitalistic principles prevail. Shenzhen, once a fishing village, is now a bustling industrial center mainly because of his economic policies. Chinatravel.net: Shenzhen Travel Guide

1. Worked as a train conductor, waiter, and factory worker when he was 16 TIME: The Last Emperor (March 3, 1997)
2. Married 3 times SACU.org: Deng Xiaoping 1904-1997
3. Underwent 7 assassination attempts Beijing International Travel Website: Deng Xiaoping

"It doesn't matter whether it's a black cat or a white cat; as long as it can catch mice, it's a good cat." MSN Encarta: Deng Xiaoping Quick Facts

• 1904: Born August 22 in Sichuan Province, China

• 1920: Travels to France for his studies

• 1924: Joins the European chapter of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)

• 1927: Returns to China to work in the CCP's Shanghai office

• 1929: Helps establish a Communist military base in Guangxi Province, China

• 1934: Participates in the Long March

• 1949: Mao Zedong establishes the People's Republic of China | Deng rises up the party ranks

• 1952: Elevated to Vice Premier of the CCP

• 1956: Becomes Secretary-General of the CCP

• 1960: Collaborates with President Liu to enact economic reforms aimed to stop starvation in China

• 1966: Sent to the countryside because of his economic ideas

• 1977: Once again named Vice-Premier

• 1978: The CCP implements Deng's program of economic reform and international trade

• 1980: Shenzhen becomes the first special economic zone | Deng's economic policies tested

• 1989: On June 3, under Deng's orders, the Chinese army opens fire at protesters in Tiananmen Square

• 1989: Resigns from his post as Chairman of China's Military Commission

• 1992: Leads CCP officials on Shenzhen tour | Urged Chinese to take advantage of free-market economy

• 1997: Dies from Parkinson's disease and lung infection