Chiang Ching-kuo

Chiang Ching-kuo (1910–88), leader of the Nationalist Chinese government on Taiwan (1975–88). The son of Chiang Kaishek and his first wife, he was born in Zhejiang province. He attended Chinese schools before going to the Soviet Union to study in 1925, where he graduated from the military-political institute in Leningrad. In 1937 Chiang returned to China, where he advanced rapidly in the Nationalist government, becoming defense minister in 1965, prime minister in 1972, and president in 1978. Chiang was popular for his efforts in eliminating corruption in government.

See also: Taiwan.