Born in Kaiyuan, Liaoning Province, he served under the Guominjun. He was first sent to Xinjiang (Sinkiang) to work for Governor Jin Shuren in 1930. He repressed the Kumul Rebellion (February 1931-October 1931) with support from the Soviet Union, but in exchange made several agreements with the USSR that gave the Soviets virtual control over the Xinjiang province.