Zhang Zhen, last of the 1955 lieutenant generals, dies aged 101

The last man to be made a lieutenant general in 1955, in the most important round of promotions after the founding of the People's Republic of China six years earlier, passed away at 5 pm on Thursday.

Zhang Zhen's death at the age of 101 came on the day China staged its victory parade for the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Zhang, lieutenant general of the People's Liberation Army of China and former vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, died in Beijing.