A life of bravery in the Korean War... China's 'last founding general' dies at 104
Quick Look
- China's state-run CCTV reported that Wang Fuzhi, former deputy commander of Urumqi Military District, died at the age of 104.
- He joined the Red Army, the predecessor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, in 1935 and participated in the Anti-Japanese War, the Chinese Civil War, and the Korean War, and was promoted to major general in 1964.
- With his death, the last surviving 'founding general' passed away.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
China introduced the military rank system in 1955, and by 1965, the rank of general was awarded to a total of 1,614 people, including 10 marshals, 10 generals, 57 lieutenant generals, 177 lieutenant generals, and 1,360 major generals. They are called 'founding generals' because they contributed to the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.
China Central Television (CCTV) reported on the 8th that Wang Fuzhi, former deputy commander of the Urumqi Military District, known as China's last surviving 'founding general', has died. Age 104.
Former Vice Marshal Wang passed away due to illness in Dalian, Liaoning Province, on the 7th.
He joined the Red Army, the predecessor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, in 1935 and participated in the Anti-Japanese War, the Chinese Civil War, and the Korean War.
There is an anecdote that during the Korean War in 1952, the air raid shelter where the division command post was installed collapsed due to bombing by the U.S. military, and he was buried, but was rescued 38 hours later.
China introduced the military rank system in 1955, and by 1965, the rank of general was awarded to a total of 1,614 people, including 10 marshals, 10 generals, 57 lieutenant generals, 177 lieutenant generals, and 1,360 major generals.
They are called 'founding generals' because they contributed to the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Wang Fuzhi was promoted to major general in 1964.
With his passing, state media reported that he was the last surviving "founding general" of the nation.
Open Questions
- Wang Fuzhi's funeral schedule and location
- Wang Fuzhi's bereaved family information
- Is there an official statement of condolence from the Chinese government?
