Lin Biao, long a controversial figure in Chinese modern history, was renowned for his surpassing military command skills, skills which he honed on the battlefield during the revolutionary era leading up to 1949. During the Cultural Revolution (1966 to 1976), he rose to power and was even groomed to be Mao Zedong's successor. But in 1971, his role in a conspiracy was uncovered. During an attempt to flee on September 13, 1971, his plane crashed, killing him along with his son, Lin Liguo and wife Ye Qun. Since then he has been viewed as a traitor.

However, more than three decades later, at the PLA's 80th anniversary celebrations, Lin Biao's portrait was displayed as part of the "Ten Marshals" exhibit in the Chinese Military Museum. This marks a change in the governmental stance towards Lin Biao who was denounced as a traitor after his death. His daughter, Lin Xiaolin gave an interview to the Nanfang City News to talk about her father.

Nanfang City News (NCN): Last month, Lin Biao's portrait was included in a display of the "Ten Marshals" for the PLA's 80th anniversary at Chinese Military Museum where he is described as a commander with "excellent military commanding talent".

Lin Xiaolin (Lin): That's right. This is the first time that Lin Biao's portrait has been on show in the Chinese Military Museum since his death. What's more, his portrait was placed in a position of official honor among the "Ten Marshals". As his daughter, I felt relieved. One of my mental burdens was finally removed. After thirty years, such recognition is most welcome.

This change indicates that the Party is ready to face facts and show its respect to historical figures. From this, I hope it will initiate China's journey towards becoming a democratic country with an adequate legal system.

NCN: As Lin Biao's daughter, how do you look at your father?

Lin: I think achievement is achievement and errors are errors. He made great contributions during the revolutionary era, but these cannot blot out his errors that led to the "9/13 incident" (the date of Lin Biao's death). Meanwhile, the "9/13 incident" should not overshadow his achievements in the revolutionary era.

NCN: How was your relationship with your father?

Lin: I had no conflict with him. But my stepmother, Ye Qun was a bad influence. I think the tragedy of the "9/13 incident" was in large part due to Ye Qun.

During Cultural Revolution, I was seen as part of the backbone of the so-called "conservative clique". Since few Party cadres spoke out at the time, my opinions went against the popular slogan "beat them all down, smash them all". Therefore, I was taken as an obstacle to the "Cultural Revolution" and kicked out of my family for political motives.

NCN: An alumnus of Harbin Military Engineering Institute, Teng Xugun, recently released a book on the history of the institute in which he describes relations between you and your father. Is it an accurate description?

Lin: I have received a copy of Teng's book but have not yet read through it.

(China.org.cn by Pang Li, August 3 2007)