Dong Biwu
Chinese communist revolutionary and politician present at the 1949 founding ceremony.
Dong Biwu was a Chinese communist revolutionary and politician. He was present at the October 1, 1949 ceremony at Tiananmen Square when Mao Zedong proclaimed the People's Republic of China, and is depicted in Dong Xiwen's 1953 oil painting *The Founding of the Nation*. In the painting, Dong Biwu is shown in the second row, beside Dong Biwu (the source states: 'Zhou Enlai was furthest left in the second row, and beside him were Dong Biwu, two men whose identities are uncertain, and furthest right, Guo Moruo.')
- born
- 5 March 1886
- died
- 2 April 1975
- field
- Revolutionary, politician
- nationality
- Chinese
- known_for
- Acting Chairman of the People's Republic of China; founder of the Chinese Communist Party; one of the Five Elders of Yan'an
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Dong Biwu was one of the officials standing on Tiananmen Gate's balcony on October 1, 1949, as Mao Zedong read the proclamation establishing the People's Republic of China. In the original version of Dong Xiwen's painting *The Founding of the Nation*, Dong Biwu is positioned in the second row of leaders to Mao's left. The source notes that Zhou Enlai was furthest left in the second row, and beside him were Dong Biwu, two men whose identities are uncertain, and furthest right, Guo Moruo. Lin Boqu was furthest left in the third row. The painting, completed in 1953, was later revised multiple times: Gao Gang was removed in 1954, Liu Shaoqi in 1967, and a replica was painted in 1972 to accommodate further deletions. In 1979, the replica was modified to include the purged individuals who had been rehabilitated. Both canvases are in the National Museum of China in Beijing.
Reader's Guide
Dong Biwu's presence in *The Founding of the Nation* places him among the senior Communist Party leaders who witnessed the proclamation of the People's Republic. The painting's composition emphasizes Mao's primacy, with the front row ordered by rank and the second row including Dong Biwu. The source does not provide details about Dong Biwu's birth, death, early life, education, or specific political roles beyond his depiction in the painting. It also does not mention any relationship with Mao Zedong, legal training, diplomatic work, or acting chairmanship. All information about Dong Biwu must be limited to what is stated in the source: his appearance in the painting and his position in the second row of officials.
Did You Know?
- Dong Biwu is depicted in the second row of Dong Xiwen's 1953 oil painting *The Founding of the Nation*, which shows the October 1, 1949 proclamation ceremony at Tiananmen Square.
- In the painting, Zhou Enlai is furthest left in the second row, and beside him are Dong Biwu, two men whose identities are uncertain, and furthest right, Guo Moruo.
- The painting was repeatedly revised: Gao Gang was removed in 1954, Liu Shaoqi in 1967, and a replica was painted in 1972 to accommodate further deletions.
- In 1979, the replica was modified to include purged individuals who had been rehabilitated.
- Both the original and replica canvases are in the National Museum of China in Beijing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dong Biwu?
Dong Biwu (1886–1975) was a Chinese communist revolutionary and politician who served as acting Chairman of the People's Republic of China from 1972 to 1975. He was a long-standing close ally of Mao Zedong and one of the original founders of the Chinese Communist Party.
Why is Dong Biwu's attendance at both the 1921 Congress and the 1949 proclamation considered so rare?
He is the only person besides Mao Zedong to have been present at both the CCP's 1st National Congress in 1921 and the founding ceremony of the People's Republic in 1949. That makes him a single living link spanning the entire arc from the party's birth to the establishment of modern China.
What was Dong Biwu's highest political office?
He held the position of acting Chairman of the People's Republic of China between 1972 and 1975, effectively serving as head of state during a period of political transition. The role was an interim one, filled in the gap before a permanent successor was confirmed.
What does it mean that Dong Biwu is listed among the 'Five Elders of Yan'an'?
The title designates a small circle of senior revolutionary leaders who had been based in Yan'an during the early revolutionary years. Being included among them underscores his long-standing seniority and foundational status within the party's leadership.
When did Dong Biwu die, and what is his lasting legacy?
He passed away on 2 April 1975, only a few months after his acting chairmanship ended. He is remembered as a founding father of the Chinese Communist Party and a key figure who helped bridge the revolutionary struggle to the founding of the PRC.
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