Zhang Zuoxiang

Who was Zhang Zuoxiang?

Zhang Zuoxiang, was an important member of the Fengtien warlord clique.

Zhang Zuoxiang was born in 1881, in Jinzhou, western Fengtian, China. A loyal follower of Zhang Zuolin he was the commander of the 27th Regiment, 27th Division, of the Fengtian Defence Force from 1911 to 1916 as Zhang Zuolin took control of Fengtian. He rose up through the ranks of the new Fengtian Army as commander of a brigades, acting command of 27th Division, Fengtian garrison commander. From 1920 to 1922 he was staff officer Military Governor of Fengtian, Zhang Zuolin himself. He soon was given significant commands of the Eastern Route Army in 1922 and the 3rd Detachment, Zhenwei Army from 1922 to 1924.

In April 1924 he was rewarded with the military governorship of Jilin province which he retained until December 1928. He also held the civil governorship of the province in the same time, except for the time between December 1924 and June 1927.

Zhang rose higher in command as General of the 4th Army, Zhenwei Army from 1924 to 1925 and of the North-eastern Provinces Railway Route Army from 1925 to 1926. By 1928 he became Deputy General Commander of the North-eastern Border Defence Command and became the Chairman of the Jilin Provincial Government and oversaw the reorganization of the Jilin provincial Army.