Zhou Enlai ( ) IPA : ( 5 March 1898 -- 8 January 1976 ) was the first Premier of the People 's Republic of China , serving from October 1949 until his death in January 1976 .
Zhou Enlai ( pinyin : Zhōu Ēnlái ; 5 March 1898 -- 8 January 1976 ) was the first Premier of the People 's Republic of China . He served from October 1949 until his death in January 1976 .