Yang Maozhi

Yang Maizhi, born in 1954, is a combat hero of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army Air Force. In his early years, he studied alongside the renowned fighter ace Zhang Jihui at the Soviet Red Banner Air Force Academy. Later, he served as a deputy instructor at the Air Force Academy's Strike Aircraft Teaching and Research Department at the brigade level.

Within the Chinese Air Force system, Yang Maizhi's career has been highly regarded. Recommended by Liu Zhen, the deputy commander of the Air Force and president of the Air Force Academy, Chairman Mao Zedong expressed approval of him and facilitated his marriage to Liu Siqi (born Liu Songlin) in mid-February 1962. Before marrying, Liu Songlin visited Zhongnanhai on December 31, 1961, to inform Mao Zedong of her upcoming wedding. Mao was pleased and personally inscribed two poems—"Bu Suan Zi: Ode to Plum Blossom" and "Seven-character quatrain: In Homage to Comrade Guo Moruo"—as memorials.

On the wedding day, Mao ordered Ye Zilong to deliver a dowry of 300 yuan. Yang Maizhi and Liu Siqi formed a family together, raising four children—two sons and two daughters. Their eldest son was named Yang Xiaoying, a name chosen to commemorate the late Mao Anying.

Details about family members and personal life are mainly focused on Yang Maizhi's professional background and his marriage to Liu Siqi. Other specifics about his family members have not been publicly disclosed.