Cao Gangchuan

Cao Gangchuan (Chinese曹刚川, Pinyin Cao Gangchuan; * 1935 in Wuyang, Henan Province) is a politician in the People's Republic of China. He was from 2002 to 2007 Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China.

Cao studied in the Soviet Union. Was the general of the People's Liberation Army from 2003 to 2008 Chinese defense minister and member of the State Council and from 2002 to 2007 Vice - Chairman of the Central Military Commission ( as representative of Hu Jintao in this function).