The China History Podcast

Ep. 363 | The Lin Biao Incident (Part 2)

Apr 30, 2025
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INSIGHT

Mao's Strategy to Isolate Lin Biao

  • Mao began dismantling Lin Biao's military influence by removing Lin's allies and securing loyalty from regional military leaders.
  • This strategic move isolated Lin politically and militarily before the crisis erupted.
ANECDOTE

Lin Biao's Fatal Escape Attempt

  • Lin Biao's family hastily fled Beijing on September 12, 1971, boarding a jet with insufficient fuel.
  • Their plane crashed over Mongolia, killing all on board including Lin, ending the so-called "913 Incident."
INSIGHT

Lin Biao as a Political Scapegoat

  • The party used Lin Biao's incident to blame leftist excesses and the Cultural Revolution's excesses on him and his clique.
  • This diverted blame from Mao and provided political cover for subsequent power struggles.
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