Trending News: Former Chinese Military Leader Xu Qiliang Dies at 65
Former Chinese military senior official Xu Qiliang passes away at 75 in Beijing

Xu Qiliang, a prominent figure in China’s military and political leadership, has passed away at the age of 75. Xu died of illness in Beijing at 12:12 p.m. on Monday, as announced in an official statement released earlier today.
With a career spanning more than five decades, Xu Qiliang held key roles at the highest levels of China’s defense establishment. He served as a member of the Political Bureau of the 18th and 19th Central Committees of the Communist Party of China (CPC), as well as vice chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission. Official tributes described him as “an excellent CPC member, a time-tested and loyal communist soldier, a proletarian military strategist, and an outstanding leader of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).” These accolades highlight the deep respect and recognition Xu commanded within the country’s military and political circles.
Xu’s journey with the PLA began in July 1966, marking the start of what would become a distinguished military career. He joined the Communist Party a year later, further aligning his trajectory with that of China’s ruling establishment. Xu’s dedication and capabilities led to a steady rise through the ranks, culminating in his promotion to the rank of Air Force General in June 2007—an achievement that underscored his influence within the PLA, especially given the historical dominance of ground forces in Chinese military leadership.
As vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, Xu played a significant role in shaping China’s military modernization efforts. His leadership was instrumental in advancing strategic reforms and enhancing the operational capabilities of the PLA. Colleagues and analysts alike point to Xu’s contributions in guiding military doctrine and his steadfast loyalty to both the Party and the armed forces.
Xu Qiliang’s legacy is expected to have a lasting impact on the development of China’s military and its approach to national defense. His passing marks the end of an era for the PLA and comes at a time when China continues to emphasize military strength and modernization on the global stage.