Yeh Chien-Ying

Yeh Chien-Ying, or Ye Jianying (1899–1985), Chinese minister of defense (1971–78). A planner of the Long March and a Central Committee member from 1945, his seniority and military connections assured his continued position within the inner circle of leadership after the death of Mao Tse-tung (Mao Zedong).

See also: China.