He Luli (Chinese: 何鲁丽; pinyin: Hé Lǔlì; 7 June 1934 – 19 March 2022) was a Chinese paediatrician and politician. She held several senior positions in the People’s Republic of China, including Vice Chairwoman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (1996–1998), Vice Chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (1998–2008), and Chairwoman of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang (1996–2007).
Early life and education
He Luli was born on 7 June 1934 in Jinan, Shandong Province, Republic of China. She was the daughter of He Siyuan, a prominent Kuomintang official who later served as mayor of Beijing and negotiated the peaceful surrender of the city to the Chinese Communist Party in 1949, and He Yiwen, a French‑born mother who adopted a Chinese name. He Luli grew up in a family involved in both education and politics. She attended Beijing Medical College (now Beijing Medical University), graduating with a degree in medicine and specializing in paediatrics.
Medical career
After completing her studies, He Luli practiced as a paediatrician for 27 years, working at Beijing Children’s Hospital and later at Beijing No. 2 Hospital. She achieved the rank of senior doctor and contributed to child health services in the capital.
Political career
In the mid‑1980s He Luli transitioned to public service, leveraging her medical background and family’s political connections. Her political trajectory included:
- Vice Mayor of Beijing (dates not specified in available sources).
- Chairwoman of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang (RCCK), serving from 11 November 1996 to 15 December 2007. She succeeded Li Peiyao and was followed by Zhou Tienong.
- Vice Chairwoman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), 13 March 1996 – 13 March 1998, under Chairman Li Ruihuan.
- Vice Chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), 16 March 1998 – 15 March 2008, working alongside Chairmen Li Peng and Wu Bangguo.
- President of the China Population Welfare Foundation (1999–2004) and President of the Central Institute of Socialism (1999–2008).
- Vice Chairwoman of the All‑China Women’s Federation (1993–1998).
Through these roles, He Luli participated in high‑level legislative and consultative processes, representing the RCCK and contributing to health, women’s affairs, and population welfare policies.
Personal life
He Luli married Rong Guohuang in 1958; he died in 1989. The couple had two sons. Her father, He Siyuan, remained a notable figure in Chinese politics and education.
Death
He Luli died on 19 March 2022 in Beijing at the age of 87. Her funeral was held at the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery, attended by senior Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping.
Legacy
He Luli is remembered as one of the few women to attain senior leadership positions within China’s political system, bridging a career in medicine with significant legislative and consultative responsibilities. Her life illustrates the integration of professional expertise into the governance structures of the People’s Republic of China.