Li Leping (Chinese: 李乐平; 1906 – September 19, 1971), originally named Li Zisheng (Chinese: 李子升), was a Chinese revolutionary, anti-Japanese resistance activist, military political commissar, and politician from Teng County (now Tengzhou), Shandong. He was active in underground Communist work in Shanghai during the early 1930s and later became involved in organizing local anti-Japanese armed forces in southern Shandong during the Second Sino-Japanese War. After the establishment of the People's Republic of China, he held senior positions in Nanjing municipal administration and the government of Jiangsu Province.[1]
Li Leping | |
|---|---|
李乐平 | |
| Vice Chairman of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference | |
| Vice Mayor of Nanjing | |
| Director of the Transportation Bureau of the East China Military and Political Committee | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1906 Teng County, Shandong, Qing China |
| Died | September 19, 1971 (aged 64–65) Nanjing, Jiangsu, China |
| Party | Chinese Communist Party (from 1932) |
| Occupation | Revolutionary, military political commissar, politician |
Biography
editLi was born in 1906 in Zhaozhuang Village, Yangzhuang Township, Teng County, Shandong. His family was initially relatively prosperous but later experienced financial decline, and he spent part of his childhood living with his maternal relatives. He received a traditional education before attending Teng County Higher Primary School and later entered a middle school in Jining. Financial difficulties forced him to discontinue formal education and continue self-study. During this period, he developed a strong interest in Chinese history and literature and admired historical figures associated with patriotism and national resistance.[2]
In 1924, Li entered public service as an administrative clerk at the Teng County Education Bureau, but left after approximately one year. In 1926, he moved to Shanghai and joined the Chinese police force in the Shanghai French Concession. While serving there, he came into contact with progressive political circles and reportedly assisted underground revolutionary activities. He was dismissed by French authorities around 1930.[3]
After establishing contact with underground Communist organizations in Shanghai, Li joined the Chinese Communist Party in May 1932. He subsequently became involved in clandestine political work among Chinese police personnel in the French Concession and participated in Communist organizational activities in eastern China. On April 6, 1933, he was arrested and imprisoned, later being transferred to detention facilities in Nanjing and Suzhou.[4]
Following the formation of the Second United Front in 1937, Li was released and returned to his home area in Teng County. With approval from Communist authorities in Nanjing, he organized anti-Japanese activities and worked with local party organizations. He participated in establishing peasant associations, restoring local schools, and promoting mobilization efforts for resistance against Japan.[5]
In March 1938, Li and his associates established a peasant anti-Japanese training program in eastern Teng County, which later developed into the Teng County People's Anti-Japanese Volunteer Force. Following the reorganization of regional resistance forces, he became a political commissar in anti-Japanese military units operating across southern Shandong and northern Jiangsu. He later served in political leadership positions within units associated with the Eighth Route Army, including formations connected to the 115th Division.[6]
Beginning in late 1939, Li transitioned to regional administrative work and successively served as secretary-general of the southern Shandong regional party committee, commissioner of the regional administrative office, and regional party secretary.[7]
After 1949, Li held a number of governmental positions, including member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party Nanjing Municipal Committee, vice mayor of Nanjing, and director of transportation affairs under the East China Military and Political Administration. In 1956, Li transferred to provincial work in Jiangsu and later served as a member of the Chinese Communist Party Jiangsu Provincial Committee, vice chairman of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, principal of the provincial political school, and specially invited member of the National Committee of the CPPCC.[8]
During the Cultural Revolution, Li suffered political persecution and deteriorating health. He died in Nanjing on September 19, 1971, at the age of 65.[9] On November 17 of the same year, he was officially recognized as a revolutionary martyr by Jiangsu provincial authorities. Li's remains were interred at Yuhuatai Memorial Park of Revolutionary Martyrs in Nanjing. A memorial pavilion commemorating him was later established at the Tengzhou Martyrs Cemetery.[10]
References
edit- ↑ 山东历史人物辞典 (in Chinese). 山东人民出版社. 1990. p. 651. ISBN 978-7-209-00503-6. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
- ↑ 山东革命文化人物简介 (in Chinese). 中共党史出版社. 2005. p. 119. ISBN 978-7-80199-195-9. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
- ↑ 八路军将领传略 (in Chinese). 解放军出版社. 2006. p. 135. ISBN 978-7-5065-5092-5. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
- ↑ 中国共产党名人录 (in Chinese). 四川人民出版社. 1997. p. 626. ISBN 978-7-220-02762-8. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
- ↑ 山东省志: 人物志 (in Chinese). 山东人民出版社. 2004. p. 424. ISBN 978-7-209-03427-2. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
- ↑ 滕州史话 (in Chinese). 中华书局. 1992. p. 249. ISBN 978-7-101-00926-2. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
- ↑ 中国近现代人物別名词典 (in Chinese). 沈阳出版社. 1993. p. 167. ISBN 978-7-80556-946-8. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
- ↑ 中国共产党人名大辞典 (in Chinese). 中国国际广播出版社. 1991. p. 297. ISBN 978-7-80035-873-9. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
- ↑ 中囯人名大辞典 (in Chinese). 上海辞书出版社. 1990. p. 763. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
- ↑ 山东革命文化人物简介 (in Chinese). 中共党史出版社. 2005. p. 119. ISBN 978-7-80199-195-9. Retrieved 13 June 2026.