Hu Lien

Hu Lien (胡璉) (1907-1977) was a prominent general in the Republic of China (ROC) Army. He is best known for his role in the Chinese Civil War, particularly his command of the ROC's 18th Army.

Hu Lien distinguished himself early in his military career, participating in the campaigns against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) before the Second Sino-Japanese War. During the war, he played a significant role in several major battles.

After the Chinese Civil War resumed following Japan's surrender, Hu Lien proved to be one of the ROC Army's most effective commanders. He was instrumental in early Nationalist victories, although these were ultimately insufficient to prevent the CCP's eventual victory.

Following the ROC government's retreat to Taiwan in 1949, Hu Lien continued to serve in important military and administrative positions. He was appointed commander of Kinmen (Quemoy), a group of islands located just off the coast of mainland China, which remained under ROC control. He is credited with strengthening Kinmen's defenses and playing a critical role in repelling CCP bombardments and attempted invasions, including the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis in 1958.

Later in his career, Hu Lien served as the ROC's ambassador to Vietnam. He died in Taipei in 1977. His military achievements and contributions to the ROC government are still recognized and remembered in Taiwan.