Ma Xinchun

Ma Xinchun (Chinese: 马辛春; March 1925 – 22 October 2024) was a vice admiral (zhongjiang) in the People's Liberation Army Navy of China who served as commander of the North Sea Fleet (now Northern Theater Command Navy) from 1985 to 1990.

Ma was a delegate to the 7th National People's Congress.

Ma was born in Julu County, Zhili Province (now Hebei), in March 1925.

Ma joined the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in September 1938, and enlisted in the Eighth Route Army in February 1940.

During the Chinese Civil War, Ma engaged in the Battle of northern Henan, Battle of Dabie Mountains, Yangtze River Crossing campaign, and Battle of southwestern China.

In 1952, Ma was transferred to the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) and served as a chief of the Operations Department of the PLA Navy Command.

In August 1960, Ma enrolled at the PLA Naval Academy, where he graduated in August 1961.

In December 1970, Ma was appointed vice president of the 1st PLA Naval Academy.

In December 1977, Ma became deputy commander of the Yantai Naval Base, rising to commander in June 1981.

In August 1982, Ma was commissioned as chief of staff of the PLA Navy.

Ma was commander of the North Sea Fleet (now Northern Theater Command Navy) in July 1985, in addition to serving as deputy commander of the Jinan Military Region since September 1987. He attained the rank of vice admiral (zhongjiang) in 1988.

Ma married Yang Shuhuan (杨曙环), the couple had a son and a daughter.

On 22 October 2024, Ma died in Beijing at the age of 99.

• 人生航迹 [Life Trajectory] (in Chinese). Beijing: Huaxia Publishing House. 2013.