Sunday China remembered one of its most influential leaders.

Deng Xiaoping was known as a great reformer for modern China, playing a large role in its development.

But nothing may more accurately reflect the leader’s influence than his economic policies.

The city of Shenzhen is one example; transformed from a small town into a thriving metropolis.

Former President Jimmy Carter reflects on Deng Xiaoping

Besides reforming China’s economy, Deng was also regarded as the cornerstone to the establishment of China-U.S. relations.Deng was the first Chinese national leader to visit the United States.

CGTN’s Tian Wei used to cover former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who gave Deng a warm welcome in Washington D.C. Carter recalled his visit with Deng Xiaoping back then.