Two noted female Chinese leaders

Soong Ching Ling (1893-1981) was the wife of Sun Yat-sen, known as the "Father of the Nation" for his instrumental role in overthrowing the Qing Dynasty in 1911. Following the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Soong held several government positions, including that of vice-chairman of the PRC, and was one of the country's most significant political figures of the early 20th century. She regularly traveled overseas as a representative of China during the early 1950s.

Her work revolved around the promotion of world peace, social progress and prosperity, developing mutual understanding, strengthening friendly relations with other countries, protecting the rights and interests of women, education, social welfare and the reunification of the Motherland.

She died in Beijing on May 29, 1981. The China Soong Ching Ling Foundation was established in her memory and was supported by senior State leaders, such as Deng Xiaoping.