Father of modern Chinese navy Liu Huaqing dies at 95

Beijing, Jan 15 (ANI): Liu Huaqing, former Vice-Chairman of China's Central Military Commission and the country's father of the modern navy, has died at 95.

The China Daily quoted a statement issued by the General Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee as saying that he succumbed to an undisclosed illness.

"Comrade Liu Huaqing was an excellent Party member, a faithful Communist fighter, outstanding proletarian, politician, soldier, and outstanding leader of the State and Party," the statement said.

Liu joined the Communist Party in 1935, and was part of many important events of the party's history, including the 1934-35 Long March that saved the party from annihilation by Chiang's troops, and the 1966-76 Cultural Revolution that saw many party elders persecuted by radical Red Guards.

Liu, who commanded the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy from 1982 to 1988, served throughout the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the following civil war.

He is regarded as the father of the Chinese navy for his role in revitalizing the coastal patrol force and making it a powerful navy in the world. (ANI)