Xu Caihou

Xu Caihou, born in June nineteen forty-three, was a prominent Chinese general and politician who played a significant role in the People's Liberation Army (PLA). As the vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), he was among the highest-ranking military officials in China, influencing military policy and operations during his tenure.

Hailing from a working-class family in Liaoning province, Xu's early career was rooted in northeastern China. His ascent in the military hierarchy began when he moved to Beijing in nineteen ninety, where he served as the political commissar of the 16th Group Army. His leadership skills were further recognized when he took on the role of editor for the PLA's flagship newspaper, the PLA Daily, before becoming the political commissar of the Jinan Military Region in nineteen ninety-six.

In September two thousand four, Xu was appointed vice chairman of the CMC, a position he held until his retirement in March two thousand thirteen. His career, however, took a dramatic turn in March two thousand fourteen when he was detained under suspicion of bribery, marking one of the most significant corruption investigations in PLA history. By June of the same year, he was expelled from the Communist Party, accused of amassing substantial wealth through corrupt practices.

Xu's legal troubles continued as he faced a court martial, but the proceedings were halted when he succumbed to bladder cancer in March two thousand fifteen. His legacy remains complex, reflecting both his military contributions and the controversies that marred his later years.