Franchesca Gumabon
For many of us who don't know who Zhou Enlai was, here's a brief background. Zhou Enlai was a strong political figure during China's Communist Party era. He, along with communist leader, Mao Zedong, played an important role in China's becoming. They were both remembered as highly intellectual people who ruled the 20th century with strong power.
Zhou was the first premier for the People's Republic of China. He, along with Henry A. Kissinger, helped pave the way for President Richard M. Nixon's 1971 visit to Beijing. This helped develop a new business era for both the United States and China.
In a recent book about Zhou's life, many are claiming that he may have been gay. The book, which is banned in China, speaks of Zhou's relationship between his wife and comrade, Mao Zedong.
Although, a previous encounter while studying abroad may give hint as to why many would believe he was. Zhou studied abroad and while abroad he met Li Fujing. Li Fujing and Zhou grew close and their friendship blossomed. Once they were separated, Zhou wrote a heart wrenching story of despair in his diary about losing his close friend.
Another clue that would point to this suspicion is that he and his wife, Deng Yingchao, never had an encounter with each other. He proposed to her via postcard despite the fact that they've never seen each other in five years.
There's many reasons as to why he could've kept this part of his life private. He may have been terrified. China, even in today's society, is still very close-minded about sexual orientations. Recently, a gay couple who filed for marriage was denied. China still isn't ready and they sure weren't ready before.
This is still a mystery but if he was, it would be a huge shock to the Chinese society who revered him as a man of power during one of China's golden ages.
More about the recent court case about gay marriage:
