Breaking: Former Senior Chinese Military Leader Xu Qiliang Passes Away at 66
Retired Chinese military leader Xu Qiliang passes away at 75 in Beijing after illness.
Xu Qiliang, a highly regarded figure in China’s military establishment, passed away in Beijing on Monday at 12:12 p.m., following an illness. He was 75 years old. Xu’s passing marks the end of a distinguished career that saw him rise to the upper echelons of China’s military and political leadership.
During his decades-long service, Xu held several pivotal roles, notably as a member of the Political Bureau of both the 18th and 19th Central Committees of the Communist Party of China (CPC). His tenure as vice chairman of the Central Military Commission placed him among the most influential military officials in the country, responsible for major policy decisions and strategic direction within the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
The official statement announcing his death highlighted Xu as an excellent CPC member, a time-tested and loyal communist soldier, and a leading figure among proletarian military strategists. He was credited as an outstanding leader of the PLA, shaping both military doctrine and organizational reform during a period of significant modernization for China’s armed forces.
Xu’s military journey began in July 1966, when he joined the PLA at just 17 years of age amid a turbulent era for the country. A year later, he became a member of the CPC, deepening his integration into the party-military structure. Over the ensuing decades, he steadily advanced through the ranks, culminating in his promotion to Air Force General in June 2007.
His passing is expected to be widely mourned in military and political circles, where he was known not only for his command abilities but also for his steadfast commitment to the principles and goals of the CPC. Tributes are anticipated in the coming days as both colleagues and subordinates reflect on his lasting impact on China’s military trajectory.
