List of premiers of China

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Alternative meaning: Chancellor of China

This article is a list of the Premiers of China since 1911. According to Chinese historical records, the first premier of China was appointed in about 1130 BC, by First King of Shang Dynasty. Since then, almost every monarch in China had appointed a Premier or Prime Minister to help him or her to run the administration. This role has been known by several different names, most commonly Chancellor. With the re-unification of China under the Qin Emperor in 221 BC, the power on the premiers' hands was reduced because of the Emperors' intentions of setting up an absolute monarchy. Finally, in 1380, Emperor Hongwu decreed to kill his Chancellor, and never appointed another one in his life. Since this, emperors never appointed any other premiers up to 1911. During much of the Qing Dynasty, the role of premier was carried out collectively by the ministers of the General Command Centre.

The modern creation of Chinese Premiership happened in mid 1911, when the Qing Imperial Government created the "Imperial Family Cabinet" as a "reform" on Chinese politics, shortly before it was overthrown. Since Yuan Shikai took over the premiership, the premiers of China played an influential role in Chinese politics.

Premiers are appointed by Presidents, but some premiers were even more powerful than the presidents, during the early age of the Republic of China. Some presidents were even expelled by the premiers they appointed.

The title of premier in China had been changed several times, so this list is divided into several sections.

Contents

[edit] Prime Ministers of Qing Imperial Government (1911-1912)

The Qing Imperial Government created the "Imperial Family Cabinet" in May 1911, in order to appease popular anger and calls for reform. But the formation of Cabinet brought even more disaffection. Soon the Wuchang Uprising forced the Qing government to abolish the cabinet, and instead summon Yuan Shikai to head the government. The imperial government collapsed soon after.

[edit] Premiers of Cabinet of the Republic of China (1912-1914)

According to the Provisional Constitution of Republic of China, which passed in 1912, the leader of the majority party or the majority coalition should be appointed premier by the president.

[edit] Secretaries of State of the Republic of China (1914-1916)

[edit] Premiers of State Council of the Republic of China (1916-1917)

[edit] Prime Minister of Restored Qing Imperial Government (1917)

A coup d'état in order to restore the Qing monarchy occurred on 1 July 1917. The leader of the coup, Zhang Xun, was immediately rewarded the premiership by Emperor Puyi. But Chang was defeated by Duan Qirui on 12 July and the Republic of China restored.

[edit] Premiers of State Council of the Republic of China (1917-1925)

Note: The Premiership was abolished from 25 November 1924 to 26 December 1925. The head of the cabinet during this period was Duan Qirui, Provisional Chief Executive of the Republic of China.

[edit] Premiers of State Council of the Republic of China (1925-1928)

[edit] Presidents of Executive Yuan of the Republic of China (1928-present)

Main article: Premier of the Republic of China

When Chiang Kai-shek established the Nanking Nationalist Government in 1928, he created a presidency for Executive Yuan instead of a premiership, in order to show the difference between his government and the previous one in Beijing (then renamed Beiping). This government moved to Chongqing during the Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945) and at the end of the Chinese Civil War relocated to Taipei where it exists today.

[edit] Premiers of State Council of the People's Republic of China (1949-present)

Main article: Premier of the People's Republic of China

The Premiership of PRC was created since the establishment of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  • China Online Encyclopedia
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