VISITORS TO REVOLUTION MUSEUM LOOK AT PAINTING OF FORMER CHINESE PRESIDENT LIU SHAOQI, 1998-11-23 (photo)

Visitors to the Revolution Museum in Beijing look at a painting November 23, depicting former Chinese president Liu Shaoqi's last moment before he died during the chaotic 1966-76 Cultural Revolution. Liu became China's second most powerful man in 1959 when he was elected state president, but he incurred the wrath of Mao, who felt threatened by Liu's rise. Mao unleashed the Cultural Revolution in 1966 and purged Liu and other political rivals. Liu was incarcerated and died of pneumonia in 1969. The 100th anniversary of Liu's birth is marked on November 24. ASW/JO/AA