Former Vice Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Military Commission, Xu Qiliang, passed away on Monday at the age of 75. The news of his death was revealed on May 28, according to Chinese media person Zhao Lanjian.
Xinhua News Agency reported that Xu Qiliang, a member of the 18th and 19th Central Politburo of the Communist Party of China and former Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, passed away in Beijing at noon on June 2, 2025, due to illness.
Zhao Lanjian, on social media platform X, disclosed that amidst escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait and several key military leaders being removed, a heavyweight figure in the Communist Party suddenly fell. It was reported that Xu Qiliang collapsed on May 28 due to severe pressure and anxiety, leading to his sudden demise.
Public records show that Xu Qiliang enlisted in 1966 and joined the Communist Party in 1967. In June 2007, he was promoted to the rank of Air Force General.
In November 2012, Xu Qiliang was appointed as Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission and became a member of the Central Politburo of the Communist Party at the 18th Central Committee held on November 15th.
On October 22, 2022, Xu Qiliang retired from his positions as a member of the Central Politburo and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission.
It is worth noting that rumors about Xu Qiliang being investigated emerged in early 2024, but he made a public appearance on January 29 at a New Year’s art performance for retired military veterans.