Shanghai Port Defense: Wang Shenchao’s Crucial Role
Wang Shenchao, the former vice president of the People's Liberation Army, is widely regarded as one of China's most accomplished military leaders. Born in 1924 in the small village of Xiangyang in Hunan Province, Wang spent much of his childhood studying military history and philosophy.
After graduating from college, Wang joined the People's Liberation Army and rose to become the commander of the 5th Guards Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. He played a significant role in the liberation of South Vietnam in 1975 and helped establish the People's Armed Police Corps.
In 1980, Wang was appointed as the vice chairman of the General Administration of Public Property (GAPP), overseeing the construction of the new Shanghai International Airport. During this time, he oversaw the development of the airport and its infrastructure, which included the construction of the terminal building, parking lots, and other facilities.
However, it wasn't until 1985 that Wang became the head of the GAPP and began implementing reforms aimed at modernizing the country's public sector. One of these reforms was the establishment of the National Development and Reform Commission, which was tasked with promoting economic growth and reforming the country's political system.
Under Wang's leadership, the NDC promoted economic reform and modernization, including the privatization of state-owned enterprises and the deregulation of industries such as telecommunications and banking. This led to a surge in private investment and exports, which helped boost China's economy.
One of Wang's most notable achievements was the creation of the Shanghai Economic Zone, which was established in 1990 to promote economic development in the city. The zone included a number of special economic zones, such as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which allowed for greater autonomy and greater control over local affairs.
However, Wang's tenure as vice president was not without controversy. In 1996, he was criticized by some for his handling of corruption allegations against him, which were later proven false. Despite this criticism, Wang remained in power until his death in 2009.
Overall, Wang Shenchao's legacy in China remains significant, as he was known for his efforts to modernize the country's public sector and promote economic growth. His contributions to China's development cannot be overstated, and he will always be remembered as a key figure in the country's history.