Xiao Tianliang

Xiao Tianliang is a general in the People's Liberation Army, currently serving as president of the People's Liberation Army National Defense University, in office since February 2023.

Biography

Xiao was born in Zaoyang, Hubei, in November 1962. He enlisted in the People's Liberation Army in 1979. He earned his doctor's degree from People's Liberation Army National Defense University in 2000. After graduation, he stayed for teaching. In 2007, he became deputy director of the Political Department of the South Sea Fleet. He was transferred back to the People's Liberation Army National Defense University and appointed deputy director of the Strategic Teaching and Research Department in 2011. In December 2014, he was named vice president of the university, rising to president in 2023.
He was promoted to the rank of major general in July 2008, lieutenant general in August 2016, and general in March 2024.

Views

In a 2006 lecture to the PLA Academy of Military Science, Xiao stated that China would not consider using nuclear weapons in a dispute over Taiwan. According to Xiao, "If we are forced to enter war to prevent Taiwan independence in the future... nuclear weapons cannot be used, and Taiwan's nuclear facilities cannot be attacked, otherwise how can we face international society and explain to our grandchildren"?