Political leader (1928-2019) who served as premier of the People's Republic of China from 1987 through 1998, best known for declaring martial law and backing the use of force to quell the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. Leatherbound guestbook from the British embassy in China, circa 1982-83, 10.25 x 8.25, containing more than 300 signatures by relevant figures in politics, science, and culture, highlighted by three signatures of former Chinese Premier Li Peng. In fine condition. Consignor notes that other notable signers include Vice Premiers Huang Hua and Chen Muhua, Li Changchun (former member of Politburo Standing Committee of PRC), Muhammad Yunus (Bangladeshi social entrepreneur, banker, economist, and civil society leader), Peng Shilu (Chinese nuclear engineer known as 'the father of China's nuclear submarines'), Lu Jiaxi (Chinese physical chemist), Tang Dingyuan (Chinese physicist and writer), and Wu Jieping (Chinese medical scientist), among myriad ambassadors and diplomatic figures from around the globe. Originally from the collection of Sir Percy Cradock, who served as British Ambassador to the People's Republic of China from 1978 to 1983.
