Li Peng vs Peng Zhen

Li Peng was appointed Premier, succeeding Zhao Ziyang. He was a conservative leader who emphasized economic stability and political control, opposing rapid political reforms.

Li Peng introduced austerity measures to curb double-digit inflation, including price controls and credit tightening. These measures slowed economic growth but stabilized prices, though they were unpopular.

As Premier, Li Peng was a key figure in the decision to use military force against the Tiananmen Square protests. He signed the order declaring martial law and authorized the People's Liberation Army to clear the square.

Li Peng pushed through the National People's Congress approval for the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric project. The project was controversial due to environmental and displacement concerns.

Li Peng stepped down as Premier and was succeeded by Zhu Rongji. He remained a member of the Politburo Standing Committee until 2002, but his influence waned.

Peng Zhen became the first mayor of Beijing after the Communist victory. He oversaw the city's reconstruction and the implementation of socialist policies in the capital.

Peng Zhen was removed from all posts and publicly criticized as a 'counter-revolutionary revisionist'. He was imprisoned for nearly a decade, becoming one of the highest-ranking victims of the Cultural Revolution.

After the Cultural Revolution, Peng Zhen was rehabilitated and became chairman of the NPC. He led legal reforms, including the revision of the criminal code and the promotion of rule of law.