Qian Xijun

Qian Xijun (1905 – September 11, 1989), female, was a revolutionary veteran from Zhuji, Zhejiang Province, and former Deputy Director of the Food Industry Administration of the Ministry of Light Industry of China.

In 1922, she enrolled at Shanghai Commoners’ Girls School, joined the Socialist Youth League in 1924, and became a member of the Communist Party of China in 1925. In late 1926, she married Mao Zemin.

During the First Chinese Revolutionary Civil War, she organized and led workers, citizens, and students in strikes and protests, took part in the commemoration of the May 30th Incident, and worked in the CPC Central Publishing Department, helping Mao Zemin develop underground publishing and distribution networks.

In the Central Soviet Area, she served as head of a cooperative, head of distribution for Red China newspaper, accountant at the National Bank, and Party branch leader, participating in anti-encirclement campaigns, developing the Soviet economy, and helping to establish the State Bank of the Chinese Soviet Republic. She also contributed to women’s movements in the region.

During the Long March, Qian Xijun served as political instructor in the Red Army’s transport units and was one of the 30 most renowned female Red Army soldiers to complete the march.

During the Anti-Japanese War and Chinese Civil War, she worked in Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Yan’an, and Shanghai, taking on roles in economic, financial, grassroots party, and women’s work. She led the famous strike at Shenxin No. 9 Cotton Mill in Shanghai.

After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, she held senior posts in the Ministry of Light Industry, including Deputy Director of the Personnel Department, Deputy Director of the General Office, and Deputy Director of the Food Industry Administration, contributing over three decades to light industry development. In 1982, she retired with vice-ministerial rank and continued to participate in social and political work, serving as a member of the 3rd–5th CPPCC National Committees and on the All-China Women’s Federation’s Women’s Movement History Committee.

She passed away in Beijing on September 11, 1989, at the age of 84.