Zhou Enlai and Deng Yingchao enjoyed a lifelong relationship of dedication to the Revolution, sustained by their personal love and respect for each other.
Zhou Enlai served China as its first Foreign Minister and Premier, and his wife, Deng Yingchao, served as a leading writer, intellectual, witness to every key event, from the audacious founding of the Party in the early 1920’s through the terrible tes of Long March, to the glory of Independence in 1949, and the opening of China to global diplomacy in the 1970’s. She was China’s leading advocate for modern women’s rights.
These two extraordinary, busy people often stayed in touch through handwritten letters, delivered across continents, carrying their love and shared commitment. Some of their letters were reproduced in the 2014 book, Deep Love, published by the Zhou Enlai Peace Institute.
In 2026, a few fragments of these letters were shared by Zhou Qing, the grand nephew of Zhou Enlai, with his sister, Zhou Xiaofang — the grand niece of Zhou Enlai.
They were written in 1922, while the young Zhou Enlai was in Paris, and Deng Yingchao was in Shanghai.
These timeless letters are shared here with the deepest respect, and apology for any errors or omissions.
Premier Zhou Enlai:
“Your last letter was so formal. You didn’t even say you miss me.”
Deng Yingchao:
“The Premier is a very busy man — how could he have time to think of an ordinary person like me?”
Premier Zhou:
“How could an ordinary person know how deeply a busy man misses her?
Take good care of yourself. I kiss you a thousand times.”
Yingchao:
“Though your letter is short, the affection is deep. I return your kisses a thousand times.”
Enlai:
“I have been a staunch materialist all my life
but for you, I long for a next life.”
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to read these notes and letters in
Original Chinese
