revolutionary, statesman, expert drinker

周恩来 (Zhōu Ēnlái) was Máo Zédōng’s right hand man, and the second most important figure in the construction of the People’s Republic.

An activist since his student days in Japan and France, Zhōu Ēnlái rose through the ranks of Chiang Kai-Shek’s military academy. But when Chiang made the Communist Party illegal, Zhōu Ēnlái started to organize guerilla cells, eventually becoming the main person leading the Communist revolt together with Máo.

When the People’s Republic was founded in 1949, Zhōu Ēnlái became the first Premier, and during the Cultural Revolution, when Máo was busy with his ideological work, Zhōu Ēnlái was effectively in charge of running the country.

Zhōu Ēnlái was famous for his drinking ability (nicknamed “A Thousand Glasses Won’t Make Him Drunk”), and is known to have helped Máo out on several occasions, allowing him stay sober by drinking his alcohol for him at official occasions.

"Don't worry, Chairman, I've got this one" CPC News