Yan Xiaoning

Yan Xiaoning was born in November 1951 in Xining, Qinghai Province, with ancestral roots in Chaling County, Hunan Province. His family includes his son Yan Jinsheng, who holds the rank of Major General, and his spouse Zhang Zongsun, who is the daughter-in-law of a General.

Yan Xiaoning went to rural Shaanbei as a educated youth in 1968, where he carried out farm work and settled. He joined the People's Liberation Army in 1970 and officially became a member of the Chinese Communist Party in 1973. During his military service, he underwent military training and exercises with the “Hard Bone Sixth Company,” known for its discipline within the entire army.

Throughout his military career, Yan Xiaoning held various positions, including soldier, squad leader, quartermaster, deputy instructor, instructor, and political instructor. He subsequently served as director of the cadre section of a division, deputy director of the military cadre office, political commissar of a regiment, director of the political department of the division, deputy political commissar of the division, political commissar of the division, vice political commissar of the 1st Group Army, and ultimately as political commissar of the Nanchang Army Academy.

In 2001, Yan Xiaoning was promoted to the rank of Major General. In his military career, he participated in significant military operations and exercises such as the self-defense counterattack against Vietnam and the "Joint 96" military exercises in Fujian. Additionally, he served as a delegate to the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

Yan Xiaoning's career demonstrates his multifaceted roles and responsibilities in both military and political spheres. Serving in the PLA for over thirty years, he accumulated extensive experience in military management and command. His promotions and changes in positions reflect his influence within China's military system.