Named the second-most powerful woman this year by Forbes magazine, Vice-Premier Wu Yi has proved herself in the male-dominated world of mainland politics with her unique personality and tough working style.
Ms Wu, 68, has been praised for her forcefulness in international trade negotiations as Beijing's top negotiator and her contribution to the nation's rising influence on the global economy.
For almost 20 years she has impressed the world with her inspiring confidence, courage and troubleshooting skills. She has coped with various tough issues, from foreign trade to panic after the outbreak of Sars and recent international pressure on the mainland over food safety standards.
Always elegantly dressed, Ms Wu keeps her private life under wraps and deliberately avoids interviews.
She was also reported to have picked up the nickname 'little woman', though this little woman showed excellent potential as a leader from her youth.
Born into a poor family in 1938 in Wuhan , Hubei province , Ms Wu joined the Communist Party in 1962 after graduating from the Beijing Petroleum Institute.
Her first job was as a technician in the Lanzhou Oil Refinery in Gansu province . She stayed in the petroleum industry for 18 years and rose to deputy director of the Beijing Dongfanghong Oil Refinery.