"Over the past two decades, Mr. Deng was an extraordinary figure on the world stage and the driving force behind China's decision to normalize relations with the United States."

President Clinton

"Deng Xiaoping has indelibly stamped his mark on the most recent and vibrant period of China's long history. ...He brought about major reforms that have improved the lives of so many of his fellow citizens immeasurably.

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan

"He will be regarded by future generations as an historic figure. His concept of "one country, two systems" helped to ... lay the foundation for Hong Kong's stability and prosperity after 1997."

Outgoing Hong Kong Gov. Chris Patten

"He was the leader of the Communist Party's totalitarian system, so even if he'd personally wanted to do some good, still the system itself dictates what to do, so it is inevitable that many mistakes are made. However, whether it is good or bad, a chapter of history has closed."

Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader of Tibet

"At the moment of Deng Xiaoping's death, China fell apart again. On the surface, you cannot see that. Everywhere, the party is in control. But locally, there is a loss of power. The Chinese people now are very free."

Liu Binyan, writer and Chinese dissident

"The current leaders really don't have the gravitational force that Deng had to be able to lead the country, to calm it down."

Orville Schell, China scholar and dean of the Graduate School of Journalism at the University of California-Berkeley

"While we were not always in accord, Deng without a doubt made a powerful contribution to a foundation for enduring peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region."

Former President George Bush, a former U.S. ambassador to China

"He was an honorable negotiator who always acted patiently and courageously with the best interests of his people at heart."

Former President Jimmy Carter, who normalized U.S.-China relations

"Deng Xiaoping was a pragmatic leader, one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century, who did much to lead China into the modern age and towards cooperation with the countries of the west."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

"In the course of this century, few men have, as much as he, led a vast human community through such profound and determining changes."

French President Jacques Chirac