Buhe (politician) facts for kids

Buhe (Chinese: 布赫, Mongolian: ᠪᠥᠭᠡ; Бөх), born in March 1927, was an important Chinese politician. He was from the Mongol ethnic group. Buhe was the eldest son of Ulanhu, a very powerful leader in Inner Mongolia. He served as the Chairman of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 1982 to 1993. Later, he became a Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress from 1993 to 2003. Buhe passed away on May 5, 2017, at the age of 90.

Who Was Buhe?

Early Life and Education

Buhe was born in March 1927 in Tumed Left Banner, which is in Inner Mongolia. His name, Buhe, means "sturdy." His father, Ulanhu, was a famous Communist leader and even became the Vice President later on. Buhe also had a Chinese name, Yun Shuguang.

During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Buhe's father led the fight against the Japanese in Inner Mongolia. Buhe lived in a safe area called Yan'an. There, he went to school at Northern Shaanxi Public School. He also studied at Yan'an Nationalities College from 1939 to 1946. In 1942, he joined the Communist Party of China (CPC).

A Career in Politics

After Japan surrendered, the Communists took control of northern China. In 1947, Buhe's father, Ulanhu, became the first chairman of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Buhe started his career working in the Cultural Bureau of Inner Mongolia.

Later, during a period known as the Cultural Revolution, Buhe and his father faced difficulties. However, Buhe returned to public service in 1974. He was appointed the Communist Party Secretary of Baotou, a major industrial city in Inner Mongolia.

In 1978, he became the Head of the Publicity Department for Inner Mongolia. After that, he served as the Party Chief and Mayor of Hohhot, the capital city. In December 1982, Buhe became the Chairman of Inner Mongolia. This was the same important position his father had held years before. He served as Chairman for over ten years, until May 1993.

From March 1993 to March 2003, Buhe served two terms as a Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. This is a very high-ranking position in China's government. He was also a member of the 12th and 13th Central Committees of the Communist Party of China.

A Writer and Poet

Besides his political work, Buhe was also a talented writer and poet. In 1982, he became a member of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles. He published several books of his poems, essays, and other writings.

Family and Legacy

Buhe was married to Zhulan Qiqike, who was a film director. She passed away in 2011. Their daughter, Bu Xiaolin, also became a politician. In March 2016, she was appointed Chairwoman of Inner Mongolia. This made her the third person from the Ulanhu family to hold that important position.

Buhe died on May 5, 2017, when he was 90 years old. Many important leaders, including General Secretary Xi Jinping, attended his memorial ceremony.