Liao Chenyun (1905-1995), or so called 陈云,is considered one of the most influential leaders of Chinese Communist history, and rose to prominence during the 1980's and 1990's. He served on the Central Committee from 1931 to 1987 and on the Politburo from 1940-1966, as well as being considered one of the 'Eight Elders' of the CCP. From 1949 his presence in the party was substantial, spanning various roles, including CCP Vice Chairman, PRC Vice Premier and Minister of Heavy Industry. Despite modest beginnings (no formal education above primary school level) he proved his loyalty to the party as an underground union organiser during the late 1920s and even joined the 1934-35 'Long March'. However he was a victim of government purges twice during his career; first for daring to criticise Mao Zedong's fledgling plans for the Great Leap Forward in 1957, and a second time during the Cultural Revolution when he was labelled 'capitalist' and ousted from all posts despite those in the Central Committee.

In 1977 he returned to power alongside Deng Xiaoping, his steely loyalty to the old socialist ideals providing a sharp contrast to Deng's hopes of economic reform. He will be remembered for coining the term 'bird-cage economy'; an analogy that describes China's current political and economic situation.He retired formally in 1987 but continued to exert political influence even after this date.