Fought in the Xinhai Revolution to overthrow the Qing Dynasty. Joined the Chinese Communist Party during his time studying in Germany. Participated in the Nanchang Uprising and joined Mao on Jinggangshan. Commander-in-chief of the Chinese Red Army. Politburo member from 1945 to his death, but did not take a very active role from 1949 onward. Granted special protection from Mao during the Cultural Revolution.

Participated in the Nanchang Uprising. Was present during the founding of the Chinese Red Army and creation of the first Chinese soviet in the Jinggang Mountains. Foreign Minister under the People's Republic. Major voice of the February Adverse Current movement. Never officially dismissed during the Cultural Revolution, but was requested to leave his post for the sake of self-criticism.

Political security officer in the Chinese Red Army in the 1930s. Participated in the Long March. Minister of Public Security after 1949. Fought in the Korean War from 1950-1953. Purged as a supporter of Peng Dehuai in 1965. Broke both legs in a failed suicide attempt three months later. Rehabilitated by Mao in 1975. Died in 1978 while receiving medical treatment in West Germany.