Li Biao

Li Biao (林彪, Lín Biāo) (December 5, 1907 – September 13, 1971) was a prominent Chinese military leader who played a significant role in the Chinese Communist Revolution and the early years of the People's Republic of China. He was a key figure in the development of Mao Zedong's military strategies and rose to become the second-in-command in the Communist Party of China during the Cultural Revolution.

Early Life and Military Career:

Born in Huanggang, Hubei province, Li Biao joined the Communist Party of China in 1925. He distinguished himself early in his military career, participating in the Northern Expedition, the Autumn Harvest Uprising, and the Long March. He was a commander in the Red Army and played a vital role in many key battles against the Nationalist forces.

Role in the Chinese Communist Revolution:

Li Biao's military prowess and strategic thinking were instrumental in the Communist victory in the Chinese Civil War. He commanded troops in Manchuria, a crucial theater of the war, and secured significant victories against the Nationalists. His contributions helped pave the way for the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

Later Career and the Cultural Revolution:

After the revolution, Li Biao held several important positions in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the Communist Party. He became Minister of National Defense in 1959, succeeding Peng Dehuai. During the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), Li Biao became a staunch supporter of Mao Zedong and his policies. He played a significant role in promoting Mao's personality cult and purging political rivals. He was officially designated as Mao's successor in 1969.

Downfall and Death:

Li Biao's close relationship with Mao Zedong eventually deteriorated. In 1971, he allegedly plotted to assassinate Mao and seize power in a coup attempt. The plot, known as the "Lin Biao Incident," was unsuccessful. According to the official account, Li Biao and his family attempted to flee to the Soviet Union but died in a plane crash in Mongolia on September 13, 1971.

Legacy:

Li Biao's reputation underwent a dramatic shift after his death. He was posthumously denounced as a traitor and counter-revolutionary by the Chinese Communist Party. His name became synonymous with ambition, treachery, and the excesses of the Cultural Revolution. The details surrounding his death and the alleged coup plot remain a subject of debate and speculation among historians and scholars. He is now viewed as a controversial figure in Chinese history.