Xiao Tianliang
Xiao Tianliang | |
|---|---|
肖天亮 | |
| President of the People's Liberation Army National Defense University | |
| Assumed office February 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Xu Xueqiang |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 1962 (age 62) Zaoyang, Hubei, China |
| Political party | Chinese Communist Party |
| Alma mater | People's Liberation Army National Defense University |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  People's Republic of China |
| Branch/service |  People's Liberation Army Navy |
| Years of service | 1979–present |
| Rank |  General |
Xiao Tianliang (Chinese: 肖天亮; pinyin: Xiāo Tiānliàng; born November 1962) is a general in the People's Liberation Army, currently serving as president of the People's Liberation Army National Defense University, in office since February 2023.
Biography
[edit]Xiao was born in Zaoyang, Hubei, in November 1962.[1] He enlisted in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in 1979.[1] He earned his doctor's degree from People's Liberation Army National Defense University in 2000. After graduation, he stayed for teaching. In 2007, he became deputy director of the Political Department of the South Sea Fleet. He was transferred back to the People's Liberation Army National Defense University and appointed deputy director of the Strategic Teaching and Research Department in 2011.[1] In December 2014, he was named vice president of the university, rising to president in 2023.[1][2]
He was promoted to the rank of major general (shaojiang) in July 2008, lieutenant general (zhongjiang) in August 2016, and general (shangjiang) in March 2024.[1][3][4]
Views
[edit]In a 2006 lecture to the PLA Academy of Military Science, Xiao stated that China would not consider using nuclear weapons in a dispute over Taiwan.[5]: 106 According to Xiao, "If we are forced to enter war to prevent Taiwan independence in the future ... nuclear weapons cannot be used, and Taiwan's nuclear facilities cannot be attacked, otherwise how can we face international society and explain to our grandchildren"?[5]: 106
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e Yue Huairang (岳怀让) (3 September 2016). 国防大学副校长肖天亮晋升中将，曾为中央政治局集体学习授课. The Paper (in Chinese). Retrieved 28 March 2024.
- ^ Lin Yunshi (林韵诗) (23 February 2023). 国防大学新校长到位 原副校长肖天亮“转正”. Caixin (in Chinese). Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ "Xi presents order to promote military officers to rank of general". Xinhua. 28 March 2024. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
- ^ Lin Yunshi (林韵诗) (28 March 2024). 军委政法委书记王仁华、国防大学校长肖天亮晋升上将. Caixin (in Chinese). Retrieved 28 March 2024.
- ^ a b Cunningham, Fiona S. (2025). Under the Nuclear Shadow: China's Information-Age Weapons in International Security. Princeton University Press. ISBN 978-0-691-26103-4.