Zhou Xiaochuan is a prominent Chinese economist and politician, best known for his role as the Governor of the People's Bank of China from 2002 to 2018. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in reforming China's monetary policy and financial system, helping to modernize the country's banking sector. Zhou was born on January 10, 1948, in Hubei Province, China. He has a background in economics, having studied at Tsinghua University and later earning a doctorate in economics. His leadership has been influential in shaping China's economic policies and integrating the country into the global financial system.