Statecraft & Independence
Distinguished
Soong Ching-ling
1893 – 1981
Political leader and widow of Sun Yat-sen
Distinguished is level 3 of 4 in the China Hall of Fame: sustained excellence over a career, widely honoured at home. See how the levels work.
Why they are here
Sun Yat-sen's widow, who became a political figure in her own right and held high office in the People's Republic, including honorary president shortly before her death.
Soong Ching-ling married Sun Yat-sen in 1915 and after his death broke with the Kuomintang leadership, which included her brother-in-law Chiang Kai-shek. She founded the China Welfare Institute for children's welfare and health.
She served as a vice-chairman of the People's Republic and, just before her death in 1981, was named its honorary president.
She served as a vice-chairman of the People's Republic and, just before her death in 1981, was named its honorary president.
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