Contents
Chairman of the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China Mao Zedong October 1, 1949- September 27, 1954
Chairmen of the People's Republic of China Mao Zedong September 27, 1954- April 27, 1959 Liu Shaoqi1 April 27, 1959- October 31, 1968 Dong Biwu October 31, 1968- February 24, 1972 Song Qingling (acting) October 31, 1968- February 24, 1972 Dong Biwu (acting) February 24, 1972- January 17, 1975
Chairmen of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhu De2, 3 January 17, 1975- July 6, 1976 Vacant4 July 6, 1976- March 5, 1978 Ye Jianying March 5, 1978- June 18, 1983
Honorary President of the People's Republic of China Soong Ching-ling May 16, 1981- May 28, 1981
Presidents of the People's Republic of China Li Xiannian June 18, 1983- April 8, 1988 Yang Shangkun April 8, 1988- March 27, 1993 Jiang Zemin March 27, 1993- March 15, 2003 Hu Jintao March 15, 2003- present
1- No successor of Liu Shaoqi was selected, so vice-chairman Dong Biwu acted as head of the State (alone from 1972-1975, together with vice-chairwoman Song Qingling from 1969- 1972).
2- The position of Chairman was officially abolished in 1975 and the functions of head of State were formally transmitted to the chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.
3- From July 6, 1976 to March 5, 1978 the position remained vacant. The 20 vice chairmen of the Standing Committee of the NPC collectively executed the duties of head of state.
4- Vice-chairmen of the Standing Committee during the vacancy:
- Wu De
- Song Qingling
- Liu Bocheng
- Wei Guoqing
- Seypidin
- Chen Yun
- Tan Zhenlin
- Li Jingquan
- Ulanhu
- Guo Moruo
- Xu Xiangqian
- Nie Rongzhen
- Zhang Dingcheng
- Cai Chang
- Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme
- Zhou Jianren
- Xu Deheng
- Hu Juewen
- Li Suwen
- Yao Lianwei
- Deng Yingchao