Li Desheng

Who was Li Desheng?

Li Desheng was a general in the Chinese People's Liberation Army. He was born in Xin County, Henan, China, an area now known as the "Cradle of Generals" for the large number of senior military officers born in the region. He joined the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army at the age of 14, in 1930, the Communist Youth League in 1931, and the Communist Party of China a year later. He attained the rank of Major General in 1955, and General in 1988. The patterns of Li's advancement suggest that he was mentored by Chen Xilian, and that he was closely aligned with You Taizhong. Li Desheng served on the politburo from 1969–87, one of the most turbulent periods of the People's Republic. He died in Beijing on 8 May 2011.