Zhang Dejiang

Zhang Dejiang, born on November fourth, nineteen forty-six, is a distinguished retired Chinese politician known for his significant contributions to the country's governance. He held the esteemed position of chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress from two thousand thirteen to two thousand eighteen, marking a pivotal period in Chinese legislative history.

Originating from Tai'an County in Liaoning, Zhang's academic journey took him through Yanbian University and Kim Il Sung University. His political career commenced in nineteen eighty-three, where he first served as the deputy party secretary of Yanji, followed by a similar role in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture. His ascent continued as he became vice minister of Civil Affairs in nineteen eighty-six, and later, the Party Secretary of Yanbian in nineteen ninety.

Throughout the nineties and early two thousands, Zhang held various influential positions, including Party Secretary of Jilin and Zhejiang, before being appointed to the CCP Politburo and becoming the Party Secretary of Guangdong. His tenure in Guangdong coincided with the onset of the SARS outbreak, a significant challenge for the region.

From two thousand eight to two thousand thirteen, Zhang served as vice premier, overseeing critical sectors such as energy and transportation. He was recognized as Premier Wen Jiabao's 'troubleshooter,' leading disaster response efforts during notable incidents like the Heilongjiang mine explosion and the Wenzhou train collision. In March two thousand twelve, he briefly took over as the party secretary of Chongqing amidst a political scandal.

In two thousand thirteen, Zhang's political influence peaked as he became the third-ranking member of the CCP Politburo Standing Committee and the deputy head of the National Security Commission, responsible for Hong Kong and Macau affairs. His retirement from the Politburo Standing Committee in two thousand seventeen marked the end of an era, with Li Zhanshu succeeding him as NPCSC chair in two thousand eighteen.