Title: Shandong Taishan: Wu Xinghan's Wing Defense Battle and Victory
Wu Xinghan, the Chinese general who served under Mao Zedong during the Cultural Revolution, is remembered as one of China’s most influential military leaders. Born in 1925 in Hefei, Anhui Province, Wu grew up in a family that was steeped in tradition and culture.
In 1946, at age 21, Wu enlisted in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and became a member of the 7th Division. He quickly rose through the ranks to become a major general by 1953. During this time, he began to experiment with new tactics and strategies to improve the PLA’s combat capabilities.
One of Wu’s most famous works is his book "Wing Defense Battle and Victory," which describes his approach to warfare based on the principles of "wing defense." In this book, Wu emphasized the importance of maintaining control over the battlefield from every angle, including the air, land, and sea.
The book has had a significant impact on the PLA and other armed forces around the world. It taught soldiers how to use their strengths and weaknesses to their advantage, and how to adapt to changing situations. Wu also introduced the concept of "air power" into military doctrine, which was later adopted by the US Navy and other navies worldwide.
Despite his successes, Wu faced criticism from some quarters for his unconventional tactics and methods. Some accused him of being too radical and not taking enough risks, while others saw him as a failure due to his lack of experience or understanding of the terrain.
However, despite these criticisms, Wu remained committed to his cause and continued to push the boundaries of military strategy. His work on wing defense was instrumental in shaping the way the PLA fought in the Vietnam War, and it remains a cornerstone of modern military doctrine today.
In conclusion, Wu Xinghan is widely regarded as one of the greatest military commanders of all time. His book "Wing Defense Battle and Victory" continues to be studied and discussed among military historians and scholars alike, serving as a testament to his innovative approach to warfare and his commitment to improving the PLA’s combat capabilities.