Yibo of People's Republic of China
23 January 2007
Pretoria: The Government of the Republic of South Africa learnt with shock
and sadness of the passing away of Bo Yibo of the People's Republic of
China.
Mr Bo passed away on Monday, 15 January 2007, at the age of 98. He joined
the struggle to free his people at the tender age of 17. He led a guerrilla war
against foreign invaders in his native Shanxi province. His selfless
participation in the struggle against foreign domination and oppression was
legendary.
Mr Bo was also one of the key architects of the modern day China. He served
as the first Minister of Finance of the People's Republic China, in 1949. He
also served, amongst others, as Vice Premier, Chairman of the State Economic
and Trade Commission and Vice Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party Central
Advisory Commission. He formally retired in 1992.
He will be remembered as an outstanding revolutionary and a prominent leader
of the Chinese economic work.
The Government and people of the Republic of South Africa send their
condolences to the Government and people of the People's Republic China, the
Chinese Communist Party and the entire family during this hour of grief.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
23 January 2007
