Deng Xiaoping (Teng Hsiao-p'ing; 22 August 1904 - 19 February 1997) was a Chinese politician; statesman; theorist; and diplomat. As leader of the Communist Party of China; Deng was a reformer who led China towards a market economy. While Deng never held office as the head of state; head of government or General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (historically the highest position in Communist China); he nonetheless served as the paramount leader of the People's Republic of China from 1978 to 1992.