Chinesepod - Chinese Leaders

Chi Haotian
---Vice-Chairman of Central Military Commission

Following is a biographical sketch of Chi Haotian, who was nominated to
be state councillor by Premier Zhu Rongi and approved at the First
Session of the Ninth National People's Congress (NPC).

Born in July 1929; native of Zhaoyuan, Shandong Province; joined army in
July 1945; joined Communist Party of China (CPC) in October 1946.

Chi started from a copy clerk, signalman and squad leader in his teens,
and rose to serve as company and battalion officers in Third Field Army
before New China was founded in 1949, participating in a number of major
campaigns.

From 1950-55, served as battalion instructor and director of a regimental
political department of the Chinese People's Volunteers.

Studied at Infantry School of People's Liberation Army (PLA) and
Combination Department of PLA Military College From 1958-60,.

Served then as reginmental political department director, regimental
political commissar, division political department director and division
political commissar in 27th Corps in late 1960s and early 1970s.

Also served as leading official in Liberation Army Daily, deputy
editor-in-chief of the People's Daily and deputy political commissar of
Beijing Military Area Command in 1970s.

Between 1977-92, Chi Haotian worked as deputy chief of the PLA General
Staff, political commissar of Jinan Military Area Command, member of
Central Military Commission and chief of PLA General Staff.

And served as member of Central Military Commission, state councillor and
minister of national defense, 1992-95.

Since 1995, he has been serving as vice-chairman of Central Military
Commission, state councillor and minister of national defense.

He was member of 12th, 13th and 14th CPC Central Committees, and a member
of Political Bureau of 15th CPC Central Committee.

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