Zhang Xiaoai

Zhang Xiao’ai, female, born in 1951, is a well-known environmental activist in China. She is one of the main initiators of the China Society for Human Ecology and serves as its Deputy Secretary-General. She holds a doctoral degree and is regarded as a leading figure in the country’s grassroots environmental protection movement.

Zhang Xiao’ai was born into a prominent military family as the youngest daughter of Zhang Aiping, a renowned founding general of the People’s Republic of China who played a major role in national defense and technological development. Growing up in this environment gave her a strong sense of responsibility and vision, which later influenced her choice to devote herself to public welfare and environmental causes.

Professionally, Zhang Xiao’ai has long been committed to advancing the study and practice of human ecology and environmental protection in China. She has actively worked to promote ecological awareness, spread environmental concepts, and foster academic exchange, becoming an important representative of grassroots environmental organizations.

Her siblings also reflect the family’s legacy of service and achievement: her eldest brother, Zhang Xiang, served as Deputy Commander of the PLA Second Artillery Corps with the rank of Lieutenant General; her second brother, Zhang Sheng, was Director of the Campaign Bureau of the General Staff Department and later authored *From War We Come: A Dialogue Between Two Generations of Soldiers*; and her third brother, Zhang Pin, served as Deputy General Manager of Xincheng Era Company under the National Defense Industry Office.

Overall, Zhang Xiao’ai has carried forward her family’s spirit of dedication, but in her own way—by devoting herself to environmental protection and human ecology, making significant contributions to both public welfare and academic fields.