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Chen Yi (marshal)

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Chen Yi was a significant military commander and politician in China. He held several high-ranking positions within the government and the military. He was named one of the Ten Marshals of the People's Republic of China. This title represents one of the highest military ranks in the country.

Chen Yi in CFAU campus
Chen Yi in CFAU campus

He was also a key leader in the Chinese Communist Party. His career spanned many decades of major historical changes in China.

Chen Yi was born on August 26, 1901, in Lezhi County. This area is located near Chengdu in the Sichuan province. He came from a moderately wealthy family of Hakka descent. His family held the position of magistrate. These early years shaped his path toward military and political service. He eventually rose to lead both armies and cities.

During the war years, Chen Yi served in various military roles. He was a comrade of Lin Biao during their guerrilla warfare days. He was also a prominent figure in the Jiangxi Soviet. Because of a leg injury, he did not participate in the Long March. This made him unique among the later Ten Marshals. Instead, he served as a commander under Ye Ting in the New Fourth Army.

Order of Liberation 1st Class
Order of Liberation 1st Class

After the Wannan Incident, he succeeded Ye Ting as the commander of that army.

Chen Yi played a vital role during the Chinese Civil War. He worked closely with his friend and comrade, Su Yu. They commanded the 3rd Field Army together. Su Yu was an expert in large formational warfare. Chen Yi focused on political work and rallying support for Su Yu's plans. Together, they led the Shandong counter-offensive. They also commanded the forces that won the Huaihai Campaign. By 1948 and 1949, they conquered the lower Yangtze region.

Order of Independence and Freedom 1st Class
Order of Independence and Freedom 1st Class

After the wars, Chen Yi moved into civil leadership. He served as the Mayor of Shanghai from 1949 to 1958. In this role, he oversaw economic stabilization and reconstruction. He was also a vice premier from 1954 to 1972. From 1958 to 1972, he served as the Foreign Minister of China.

Jacob Rosenfeld
Jacob Rosenfeld

He also led the China Foreign Affairs University from 1961 to 1969. These roles required him to manage both domestic and international affairs.

Chen Yi dealt with complex international relations and internal politics. He witnessed the breakup of Sino-Soviet relations. In August 1960, he tried to ease tensions with the Soviet Union. He told the Soviet Ambassador that Moscow should stop severing their friendship. He also believed the two nations should try to save their alliance. In 1963, he addressed China's role in global revolutions. He stated that China would support revolutions morally and politically. However, he insisted that Chinese troops would not cross borders to advance revolution.

During the Cultural Revolution, Chen Yi was a vocal leader. He participated in the February Countercurrent to criticize social disorder. This movement argued that the period was undermining China's leadership. As a result, he had to take a leave of absence. He also had to undergo self-criticism. During this time, Zhou Enlai performed the duties of foreign minister. Chen Yi was later restored to favor after the death of Marshal Lin Biao in 1971.

Order of Bayi 1st Class
Order of Bayi 1st Class

Chen Yi had a very recognizable personal style. He was often seen wearing white shirts and trademark sunglasses. Outside of politics, he was an avid weiqi player. He worked to promote weiqi to a professional level in China. Chen Yi died in Beijing on January 6, 1972. He was 70 years old. He died from colorectal cancer. Mao Zedong attended his funeral. This was Mao's last public appearance and his first appearance at a funeral during the Cultural Revolution.

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Order of Bayi 1st Class.svg
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Order of Independence and Freedom 1st Class.svg
File:Order of Liberation 1st Class.svg
Order of Liberation 1st Class.svg
File:Jacob Rosenfeld.jpg
Jacob Rosenfeld.jpg
File:Chen_Yi_in_CFAU_campus.jpg
Chen_Yi_in_CFAU_campus.jpg
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