The Hawker Siddeley Trident carrying Lin Biao crashed near Öndörkhaan on 13 September 1971, ending the life of a central figure in the Chinese Communist Party. His death concluded a trajectory that began in the Qing dynasty and moved through the formation of the People's Republic of China, where he held the rank of Marshal.
Early Military Career
Born in 1907 in Huanggang, Lin Yurong, later known as Lin Biao, moved to Shanghai in 1919. He participated in the May Thirtieth Movement in 1925 before enrolling at the Whampoa Military Academy. After graduating in 1926, he served in the Northern Expedition, rapidly rising through the ranks. In 1927, he joined the Communist Party. Following the Nanchang Uprising, he joined forces with Mao Zedong and Zhu De in the Jiangxi–Fujian Soviet.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Red Army Command
Within the Jiangxi Soviet, Lin commanded the First Army Group. His forces were noted for mobility and unorthodox offensive maneuvers, including feints and ambushes. He received the First Class Red Star Medal in 1933. During the Long March, he remained a key field commander, supporting Mao Zedong’s leadership at the 1935 Zunyi Conference. He later participated in the Chinese Civil War, leading the Manchurian Field Army in the Liaoshen and Pingjin campaigns.
Political Ascendancy and Conflict
Following the 1949 victory, Lin held various high-level positions, including Minister of National Defense from 1959 to 1971 and Vice Premier from 1954 to 1971. In 1958, he became a member of the Politburo Standing Committee and a Vice Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party. During the Cultural Revolution, he was designated as Mao's sole successor. His tenure ended abruptly in 1971 following a failed coup attempt, according to official accounts, leading to his posthumous designation as a traitor.
Fast facts
- Born: 1907, Huanggang
- Died: 1971, Chinggis City
- Military Rank: Marshal of the People's Republic of China
- Education: Whampoa Military Academy
- Burial Site: Subraga Basin
- Party Role: Vice Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party (1958–1971)
- Defense Minister Tenure: 1959–1971
- Award: First Class Red Star Medal (1933)
Questions readers ask
What role did Lin Biao play in the Chinese Civil War?
He commanded the Manchurian Field Army during the Liaoshen and Pingjin campaigns and led forces into Beijing.
How did Lin Biao die?
He died in a plane crash involving a Hawker Siddeley Trident near Öndörkhaan, Mongolia, in 1971.
.jpg)
