Lin Biao

Lin Biao was born on December 5, 1907, in Huanggang, Hubei Province, to a family of small landowners. He joined the Communist Youth League in 1925 and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 1927. He participated in the Nanchang Uprising (1927) and later followed Mao Zedong to the Jinggangshan base area, where he quickly distinguished himself as a talented military commander.¹

During the Chinese Civil War, Lin rose through the ranks, becoming a corps commander in the Red Army. He was known for his cautious and meticulous tactical approach, earning the nickname "the genius of the Red Army." He played a key role in the Long March (1934–1935) and later commanded the 115th Division of the Eighth Route Army during the Second Sino-Japanese War. His victory at the Battle of Pingxingguan in 1937, the first major Chinese victory against the Japanese, made him a national hero.²

In the final phase of the Chinese Civil War (1946–1949), Lin Biao commanded the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the Northeast, leading the Liaoshen Campaign (1948) that resulted in the capture of Manchuria and the defeat of Nationalist forces. His forces then swept south, contributing to the capture of Beijing and the eventual Communist victory in 1949.³

After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Lin was appointed to several high-ranking military positions, including commander of the Central-South Military Region. In 1955, he was awarded the rank of Marshal, one of the highest honors in the PLA. However, his health began to decline, and he largely withdrew from public life for several years, reportedly suffering from tuberculosis and other ailments.¹

Lin Biao returned to prominence during the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976). As Mao Zedong's closest ally in the military, he played a key role in suppressing opposition and supporting the Red Guards. In 1969, he was officially designated as Mao's successor, a position written into the CCP Constitution. He also became Vice Chairman of the CCP Central Committee and was seen as the second most powerful figure in China.

During this period, Lin promoted the cult of Mao, compiling and editing the "Quotations from Chairman Mao" (the Little Red Book), which became a symbol of the Cultural Revolution. He also implemented military reforms that emphasized political loyalty over professional expertise, which had lasting effects on the PLA.⁴

By 1970, tensions between Lin Biao and Mao Zedong had become apparent. Lin opposed Mao's proposal to abolish the position of State Chairman, which Mao saw as a threat to his authority. In 1971, Lin reportedly plotted a coup to assassinate Mao, but the plan was uncovered. On September 13, 1971, Lin fled China with his wife, Ye Qun, and son, Lin Liguo, in a military aircraft. The plane crashed in the Mongolian steppe near Undurkhaan, killing all aboard.

The official Chinese narrative later branded Lin as a traitor and conspirator, and he was posthumously expelled from the CCP. The circumstances of his death and the alleged coup plot remain a subject of historical debate, with some scholars questioning the official account.⁵

For decades, Lin Biao was vilified in official Chinese historiography as a traitor. However, since the 1980s, historians have begun to reassess his role, acknowledging his military contributions while still condemning his later political actions. Some scholars argue that the "Lin Biao incident" was a turning point in Mao's rule, leading to a shift in his attitude toward the military and the Cultural Revolution.⁶

In popular culture, Lin Biao remains a controversial figure, often depicted as a brilliant but ultimately tragic character. His military theories, particularly his emphasis on "people's war," continue to be studied in military academies around the world.²

Lin Biao's personal life was marked by illness and seclusion. He suffered from severe tuberculosis and reportedly had a fear of water and light, which led him to live in a darkened room for years. His wife, Ye Qun, was a powerful political figure in her own right, and their son, Lin Liguo, was involved in the alleged coup plot.¹

Lin Biao was also known for his meticulous note-taking and his habit of carrying a small notebook to record Mao's sayings. He was a proponent of the "four-good" company movement in the PLA, which emphasized political education. Additionally, he was one of the few Chinese leaders who had direct experience fighting against both Japanese and American forces, having served as a commander in the Korean War (though he did not actually fight there due to illness).⁴

An interesting trivia: Lin Biao's plane crash site in Mongolia was not officially acknowledged by China until the 1990s, and even today, the exact circumstances of the crash remain a subject of speculation, with some theories suggesting sabotage or a shoot-down.⁵

Cultural Revolution

A sociopolitical movement in China from 1966 to 1976, launched by Mao Zedong to purge capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society.

People's Liberation Army (PLA)

The military forces of the Chinese Communist Party, founded in 1927, which played a key role in the Chinese Civil War and the establishment of the PRC.

Long March

A strategic retreat by the Red Army in 1934–1935 to escape Nationalist encirclement, covering over 6,000 miles and solidifying Mao's leadership.

Liaoshen Campaign

A major military campaign in 1948 during the Chinese Civil War, led by Lin Biao, that resulted in the Communist capture of Manchuria.