China: Song Qingling (1892-1981), first female Chairman and President of the People's Republic of China, together with her husband, Dr Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925), founder of the Chinese Republic (1912), early 20th century. Sun Yat-sen (12 November 1866  12 March 1925) was a Chinese revolutionary and political leader. As the foremost pioneer of Nationalist China, Sun is frequently referred to as the Founding Father of Republican China. Song Qingling (27 January 1893  29 May 1981), also known as Madame Sun Yat-sen, was one of the three Song sisters.