Liu Ji

Liu Ji (; 1887–1967) was a Chinese general and politician. Closely associated with Feng Yuxiang, he began his career by joining the Qing Imperial Army, then served under both the Beiyang and Nationalist regimes, and finally ended up joining Mao Zedong and holding political office in the Communist People's Republic of China. Life Liu was born in Zhongxiang, Hubei. He joined the Qing Imperial Army in 1905 and then studied at the Northeastern Military Academy in Shenyang, that was founded in 1906 by Viceroy Zhao Erxun. After graduation, he joined the New Army and served under Zhang Shaozeng. Later, he served under Feng Yuxiang, beginning a long association. After the Xinhai Revolution broke out, he returned to his native Hubei and served as the staff officer of the Hubei Governor's Office. The following year, he enrolled in the Beijing Army University of the Beiyang Government, the highest-level military college at that time in China. After graduation, he served as a major staff officer of the 16th Army Mixed Brigade led by Feng Yuxiang. In 1915, he was named a Senator of the Provisional Senate of the Beiyang Government. In 1919, he served as the chief of staff of the 11th Army Division, again commanded by Feng Yuxiang. The following year, he served as the chief of staff of the military governor's office in Shaanxi and Henan, supporting Feng Yuxiang. In 1921, he served as the chief of staff of the Northwest Frontier Inspection Office.