Chen Yi (marshal)

Chen Yi (陈毅) (August 26, 1901 – January 6, 1972) was a prominent Chinese communist military commander and politician. He served as Mayor of Shanghai, Foreign Minister of China, and was one of the Ten Marshals of the People's Liberation Army.

Born in Le Zhi, Sichuan Province, Chen Yi joined the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 1923. He participated in the Nanchang Uprising in 1927, a pivotal event that marked the beginning of the armed struggle led by the CPC. He played a significant role in the establishment of the Jiangxi Soviet during the Chinese Civil War and participated in the Long March.

During the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945), Chen Yi commanded the New Fourth Army and led guerrilla warfare against the Japanese invaders and their collaborators in central and eastern China. His military skills and strategic thinking were crucial in expanding the communist influence in the region.

After the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Chen Yi held numerous important positions. He served as the first Mayor of Shanghai, overseeing the city's reconstruction and transformation under communist rule. From 1958 to 1972, he served as Foreign Minister, navigating China's complex international relations during the Cold War. He skillfully advocated for China's interests on the global stage.

Chen Yi was known for his military prowess, political acumen, and diplomatic skills. He was also a renowned poet and calligrapher. Despite being purged during the Cultural Revolution, he was later rehabilitated posthumously and remains a highly respected figure in Chinese history. His contributions to the Chinese revolution and the development of the People's Republic of China are widely recognized.