He was promoted to the rank of major general (shaojiang) by age 37 and general (jiang) in September 1988.
He served as political commissar of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) between 1980 and 1990, deputy political commissar of Jinan Military Region from 1965 to 1970, and director of the Political Department of Jinan Military Region from 1955 to 1968.
During the Cultural Revolution he entered diplomatic service and assumed various posts in the Ministry of Foreign Affair including vice-minister (1970–72), the Chinese Embassy to Tanzania (1972–75) and Chinese Embassy to Madagascar (1975–76).He was an alternate member of the 11th CPC Central Committee, a member of the 12th CPC Central Committee, and a member of the Central Advisory Commission.