Tan Shengbin (1912–1980) was a significant figure in the early Chinese Communist movement and the formative years of the People's Republic of China. Born in Anqing Village, Angou Township, Yanchang County, Shaanxi Province, he joined the revolution in 1926 and became a member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 1928.
🛤 Early Revolutionary Activities
In May 1932, Tan mobilized over ten thousand peasants in Yanchang County to protest against grain levies and taxes, leading to a ten-day siege of the county seat. Following the success of this movement, he was pursued by the Kuomintang authorities and relocated to Xi'an. By February 1933, he had joined the Red 26th Army's cavalry unit, participating in numerous battles. On September 18, 1935, he was elected chairman of the Yanchang County Soviet Government. In 1936, during the Red Army's Eastern Expedition through Yanchang, Tan organized logistical support, earning recognition from Mao Zedong, who personally awarded him a Mauser C96 pistol as a token of encouragement.xboorman.enpchina.eu
🏛 Political Career After 1949
Following the establishment of the People's Republic of China, Tan held several key positions:en.wikipedia.org
- Director of the Organization Department and Party Secretary of the Political Department of the Northwest Military Region;
- Deputy Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission of the Northwest Bureau;
- Secretary-General and Deputy Director of the People's Supervisory Commission of the Northwest Military and Political Committee;
- Director of the Supervision Department and Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Supervision of the People's Republic of China;
- Secretary of the Secretariat of the Qinghai Provincial Committee, overseeing finance, trade, and cultural education.en.wikipedia.orgmultimedia.scmp.com He was instrumental in advancing economic and cultural development in Qinghai Province, conducting in-depth research in high-altitude pastoral areas to improve local conditions.
⚖ Political Persecution and Rehabilitation
In 1962, Tan was implicated in the "Xi Zhongxun Anti-Party Group" case, resulting in his removal from the position of Secretary of the Qinghai Provincial Committee. Subsequently, he was demoted and served as deputy director of the Jinxi Chemical Plant under the Ministry of Chemical Industry and as deputy leader of the core group at the Petroleum and Chemical Research Institute. During the Cultural Revolution, he suffered severe persecution, leading to significant physical and mental distress. On June 17, 1980, the Central Organization Department of the CCP officially rehabilitated him. A memorial service was held on June 30 at the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery in Beijing, presided over by Vice Premier Yu Qiuli, with central leaders such as Hua Guofeng, Ye Jianying, and Deng Xiaoping sending wreaths in his honor.en.wikipedia.org
👨👩👧👦 Family
Tan Shengbin's wife, Li Guangyu, was born in 1921. They married on April 1, 1944, and had five children: Tan Yongtai, Tan Yanzi, Tan Yongyi, Tan Yuanyuan, and Tan Yonglin.