Chiang Ching-Kuo / Chiang Ching-kuo ((27 April 1910 – 13 January 1988), Kuomintang (KMT) , was a Chinese politician and the son of Generalissimo and President Chiang Kai-shek  held numerous posts in the government of the Republic of China . Succeeded his father to serve as Premier of the Republic of China between 1972-78 and was the President of the Republic of China from 1978 -1988. While authoritarian, became more open and tolerant of political dissent. 