Compiled from the following sources:

Special biographic research
Wen Wei Publishing Company, Ltd. 2002-2006

Who's Who, Current Chinese Leaders
Wen Wei Publishing Company, Ltd. 2003-2005

Zhongguo Gongchandang Lijie Zhongyang Weiyuan Dacidian, 1921-2003
Beijing: Zhonggong dangshi chubanshe 2004

Revision History:

Biography Revised: 3/18/2008
Career Data Updated: 3/18/2008

PHOTO: Cao Gangchuan
Cao Gangchuan 曹刚川
Former Minister of National Defense
Born: 1935
Birthplace: Henan Province, Wugang

Biography Highlight

Cao Gangchuan, male, Han nationality, is a native of Wugang, Henan Province. He was born in 1935, joined the PLA in 1954, and joined the CPC in 1956. He holds the military rank of general.

Recent Career Data

2003—2008 Minister, Ministry of National Defense
2003—2008 State Councilor, State Council
2002—2007 Vice-Chairman, 16th CPC, Central Committee, Central Military Commission
2002—2007 Member, 16th CPC, Central Committee, Politburo
2002—2007 Member, 16th CPC, Central Committee
1998— Director, PLA, General Armaments Department
1998— General, PLA
1998—2002 Member, 15th CPC, Central Committee, Central Military Commission
1998— Secretary, PLA, General Armaments Department CPC, Party Committee
1997—2002 Member, 15th CPC, Central Committee

Recent Travel & Appearances

03/03/08 Cao Gangchuan held talks with Belarusian defense minister Leonid Maltsev.
02/27/08 Cao Gangchuan met with Japanese Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Office of the Self-Defense Force Saito Takashi.
02/26/08 Cao Gangchuan met with Markus Seiler, secretary general of the Federal Department of Defence of Switzerland.
01/22/08 Cao Gangchuan met with Saudi Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul-Aziz.
01/16/08 Cao Gangchuan met with Indonesian Vice President Yusuf Kalla and Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono.

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