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Xue

Xue (薛; pinyin: Xuē) is a Chinese surname that originated from the ancient State of Xue, a vassal state during the Zhou Dynasty located in present-day Shandong Province.^[1]^[2] The name traces its lineage to Xi Zhong, a descendant of the Yellow Emperor, who was enfeoffed with the territory that became known as Xue.^[1] The character 薛 originally denoted a type of grass resembling wormwood in ancient Chinese.^[2]^[3] In contemporary China, Xue ranks as the 48th most common surname.^[4] Historical records indicate a decline in its relative frequency, from the 48th position in earlier tallies to 76th in the 2010 census, though it remains prevalent with millions of bearers. The surname is associated with notable figures across Chinese history, including scholars, officials, and modern professionals, reflecting its enduring cultural significance.^[5]

Etymology and Origins

Linguistic Meaning and Characters

The surname Xue is represented by the Hanzi 薛, pronounced xuē in standard Mandarin with the first tone (/ɕɥɛ́/).^[6] This character functions as a phono-semantic compound, combining the grass radical 艹 (indicating a botanical association) with the phonetic component 辛 (xīn, meaning "spicy" or denoting a pungent plant like pepper).^[6] In classical Chinese, 薛 denoted a type of marsh grass or wormwood-like herb, reflecting its semantic roots in flora.^[6]^[7] The character's structure has remained consistent in both simplified and traditional forms as 薛, with no variants in modern usage for the surname.^[8] Ancient pronunciations, approximated via fanqie as 私列切 (sī liè qiè), suggest an evolution from earlier Sino-Tibetan roots toward the contemporary xuē sound, influenced by Middle Chinese developments.^[8] In Cantonese, it is rendered as sit3, highlighting dialectal phonetic divergence.^[8] Linguistically, the term's plant connotation underscores its pre-surname usage, prior to adoption as a toponymic identifier.^[9]

Historical Derivation from Ancient States

The surname Xue originated principally from the ancient state of Xue (薛国), a regional polity enfeoffed during the Xia dynasty (c. 2070–1600 BCE) to Xi Zhong (奚仲), who served as "rectifier of carts" under Yu the Great and was credited with advancements in wheeled vehicles that facilitated flood control. Xi Zhong, twelfth-generation descendant of Yu Yang (禺阳)—a son of the legendary Yellow Emperor through the Ren (任) lineage—was initially associated with the fief of Ren before receiving Xue, located in present-day Tengzhou, Shandong Province, as reward for his technical contributions.^[10]^[1] The Xue state endured through the Shang and into the Zhou dynasty (c. 1046–256 BCE), where, following the conquest of Shang by King Wu of Zhou, a descendant named Zhi (畛) from the Ren line was re-enfeoffed at Xue with marquis (侯) status, establishing a continuous ruling house documented in texts like the Zuo Zhuan. This polity, centered on Xuecheng with fortifications later expanded in the Warring States era, represented a rare long-surviving small state on the Shandong peninsula, persisting until annexation by Qi in 418 BCE. Descendants of the Xue rulers and state inhabitants adopted the territorial name Xue as their hereditary surname, transitioning from the ancestral Ren designation and forming the core of the Xue clan.^[10]^[11] A supplementary derivation arose in the mid-Warring States period, when Qi noble Tian Ying (田婴)—from the Tian (田) lineage originally tracing to the Gui (妫) surname—was granted Xue as a fief in 351 BCE and awarded the surname Xue for his branch, integrating Qi aristocratic elements into the Xue nomenclature amid the state's diminished autonomy under Qi hegemony.^[10] This dual origin from the ancient Xue polity underscores the surname's ties to pre-Qin state nomenclature practices, where territorial grants often supplanted prior clan names among elites.^[2]

Demographic Distribution

Prevalence Within China

The surname Xue is borne by approximately 3.47 million individuals in China, ranking 78th among all surnames and accounting for about 0.26% of the national population.^[12] According to the 2020 National Name Report issued by Chinese authorities, it holds the 77th position, reflecting a relative decline in prominence compared to earlier decades; for instance, earlier estimates placed it around 48th in the 1980s, amid broader shifts in surname distributions due to population growth and migration patterns.^[13] This equates to roughly 2.6 Xue bearers per 1,000 people nationwide, with total numbers having expanded from about 270,000 during the Ming Dynasty to the current figure—a twelvefold increase over six centuries, driven by natural growth and limited adoption from other lineages.^[12]^[14] Regionally, Shanxi Province hosts the largest concentration, comprising about 41% of the total Xue population, followed by Zhejiang Province; together, these two provinces account for over half (54%) of all Xue individuals.^[15] Significant clusters also exist in Sichuan, Henan, Fujian, and Shandong provinces, which collectively hold an additional 28% of the surname's bearers, often tracing back to historical migrations from ancient Xue strongholds in the Yellow River region.^[15] Urbanization and internal mobility in recent decades have dispersed some Xue populations to eastern coastal areas, though northern and central provinces remain dominant, aligning with the surname's ancient origins in what is now Shandong and Shanxi.^[13]

Global Diaspora Patterns

The surname Xue is present in overseas Chinese diaspora communities across Southeast Asia, North America, Australia, and to a lesser extent Europe, reflecting broader patterns of Chinese migration driven by economic opportunities, labor demands, and education since the 19th century. Most historical emigrants bearing the surname originated from Guangdong and Fujian provinces, regions central to early overseas Chinese networks via maritime trade and indentured labor to Southeast Asia.^[1] Contemporary diaspora growth stems from post-1980s skilled migration, student visas, and family reunification in Western nations, with concentrations in urban centers hosting Chinatowns or tech hubs. Globally, excluding mainland China and Taiwan, approximately 70,000 individuals bear the surname, occurring in 87 countries, though 99% remain tied to East and Southeast Asian ethnic enclaves.^[16] In Southeast Asia, Xue holders form notable clusters amid large Peranakan and Hokkien-descended populations, with Singapore recording 4,648 bearers (ranking 155th nationally) and Thailand 4,904 (1,021st), often linked to 19th-20th century merchant migrations from southern China. Malaysia has 177, concentrated in Penang and Kuala Lumpur's Chinese business communities. These patterns align with the region's 30-75% ethnic Chinese demographics, where surnames like Xue persist through endogamous networks and clan associations preserving ties to ancestral villages in Fujian.^[16] North American concentrations reflect waves of immigration post-1965 U.S. reforms and Canada's points-based system favoring professionals. The United States counts 4,150 Xue surnames (9,841st rank, frequency 1:87,340), predominantly among post-1980 arrivals in California (e.g., San Francisco Bay Area) and New York, comprising 90.6% Chinese ancestry per genetic databases. Canada reports 1,272 (3,805th, 1:28,967), mainly in Vancouver and Toronto's suburban enclaves, driven by tech and academic sectors.^[16]^[17] Australia's 1,041 Xue bearers (3,536th, 1:25,932) cluster in Sydney and Melbourne, paralleling the nation's 1.2 million Chinese Australians from 1980s onward, with many in finance and engineering. European presence is minimal and recent, e.g., 336 in England (15,373rd), 420 in France, and 483 in Spain, often via EU student or investor programs rather than historical settlement.^[16] Overall, diaspora density correlates inversely with distance from China, tapering beyond Anglosphere and ASEAN hubs, with low assimilation rates evidenced by surname retention exceeding 95% in second-generation surveys of similar Han clades.^[16]

Historical Significance

The Ancient State of Xue

The State of Xue (薛) was a minor regional vassal of the Zhou dynasty (11th century–221 BCE), situated in the western Shandong Peninsula, with its capital at Xue, the site of modern Tengzhou in Zaozhuang Municipality.^[10] Traditional historiography attributes its founding to Yu Yang (also rendered Yu Hao), a descendant of the legendary Yellow Emperor, during the establishment of Zhou feudal order under King Wu (r. c. 1046–1043 BCE); earlier lore links the Ren (任) ruling clan to Xi Zhong, a figure associated with cart-making innovations in the Xia dynasty (c. 2070–1600 BCE).^[10] The Ren family, which governed Xue, traced its lineage to ancient mythic progenitors, including claims of descent from the Shang dynasty's imperial house or the remote ancestor Zhuanxu, reflecting common elite strategies to legitimize authority through archaic pedigrees.^[10] Throughout the Western Zhou (1046–771 BCE), Xue maintained its status as a small but stable polity amid the feudal network, with early rulers such as Cheng (11th century BCE) and Xue Hou Qi (10th century BCE) overseeing a territory focused on agriculture and local governance near the fertile Xue River valley.^[10]^[18] In the Eastern Zhou's Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BCE), Xue engaged in interstate diplomacy, frequently allying with the ascendant State of Jin against threats from Qi and other neighbors, as evidenced by its participation in coalitions documented in contemporary annals; notable late rulers included Xiangong (r. 578–511 BCE), Dinggong (r. 510–498 BCE), and Huigong (r. 495–482 BCE).^[10] Archaeological evidence from Shandong, including relics displayed at the Shandong Museum, supports Xue's longevity as a cultural continuum from prehistoric settlements, spanning over 1,500 years in regional tradition before its Zhou-era prominence.^[18] Xue's independence ended in 418 BCE when it was conquered and devastated by the expansionist State of Qi, prompting the relocation of surviving Ren lords to Xiapi (modern Pixian, Jiangsu); this annexation integrated Xue's lands into Qi's domain, curtailing its autonomy as an original Zhou fief.^[10]^[10] In the subsequent Warring States period, the territory was re-enfeoffed to Qi aristocrats, including Tian Ying (Jingguo Jun) in 351 BCE, whose son Tian Wen (Lord Mengchang, d. 279 BCE) fortified Xue as a strategic base, expanding its walls and elevating its profile before its final absorption amid Qi's internal shifts.^[10] Despite its modest size and peripheral role, Xue's endurance—rooted in adaptive alliances and geographic advantages—exemplifies the resilience of smaller Zhou states against hegemonic pressures.^[10]

Prominent Xue Clans and Lineages Through Dynasties

The Hedong Xue clan (河東薛氏), originating from Hedong Commandery in present-day Shanxi province, emerged as one of the most influential Xue lineages during the Wei-Jin and Northern and Southern Dynasties periods (220–589 CE), evolving from local豪強 (powerful families) into a prestigious士族 (aristocratic clan) known for producing both civil officials and military leaders amid the era's political fragmentation between Hu-Han regimes.^[19] This branch traced its roots to Ren-surname descendants from the fallen Shu Han state (221–263 CE), who relocated to Fen yin (汾陰) after 263 CE, forming southern and western ancestral houses that emphasized military prowess for advancement. Notable early figures included Xue Qiang, a Shangshu (minister) under Later Qin (384–417 CE); Xue Andu,刺史 of Xuzhou under Liu Song (420–479 CE) and Hedong Gong under Northern Wei (386–534 CE); and Xue Duan, an Kaifu yitong sansi (high military commander) in Northern Wei.^[19] During the Sui (581–618 CE) and Tang (618–907 CE) dynasties, the Hedong Xue clan's prominence peaked through martial achievements and imperial service, with over 40 descendants attaining high official ranks across five generations of generals, supporting more than 20 emperors and solidifying their role as imperial guardians.^[20] Key members included the poet Xue Daoheng (540–609 CE) under Sui, renowned for his literary contributions before the dynasty's fall; Xue Rengui (614–683 CE), a celebrated Tang general from Longmen (龍門, now Hejin, Shanxi), whose campaigns against Goguryeo in 661 CE and the Western Turks earned him the title "God of War," with his lineage producing sons like Xue Ne (649–720 CE), a general who defeated Tujue forces, and grandsons such as Xue Song, continuing military dominance.^[21] The clan's southern branch, exemplified by Xue Ju (d. 618 CE), briefly established the short-lived Qin kingdom (Western Qin) in 617 CE amid Sui collapse, highlighting their regional autonomy before integration into Tang bureaucracy. Hedong Xue intermarriages, such as Xue Kui (father-in-law to Ouyang Xiu), further embedded them in elite networks.^[22] In the Song (960–1279 CE) and later dynasties, the Hedong Xue shifted toward scholarly pursuits while maintaining kinship structures, as seen in Xue Juzheng (912–966 CE), an early Song prime minister and historian who compiled the Old History of the Five Dynasties (五代史).^[23] By the Ming (1368–1644 CE), Xue Xuan (1389–1464 CE) revitalized the clan's intellectual legacy through "Hedong Learning," a Northern Confucian alternative emphasizing genealogy, kinship rituals, and moral self-cultivation, influencing Guanzhong scholars and countering Southern Song-Ming trends.^[24] This branch's enduring practices, documented in genealogies like the Hedong Xue Shi Zongpu, preserved ancestral ties through standardized naming generations and rituals, adapting to dynastic changes without the military focus of prior eras.^[25] Other Xue lineages, such as those descending from the ancient Xue state's Ren rulers (extant through Zhou dynasty until Qi conquest circa 284 BCE), dispersed post-Warring States but lacked the sustained prominence of Hedong, often assimilating into broader Ren or regional groups.^[10]

Cultural and Literary Representations

References in Classical Chinese Literature

The ancient state of Xue is referenced in the Zuo Zhuan, the traditional commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals, which chronicles events from the state of Lu, including the death of the Liege of Xue in the fourth month of an unspecified year and the subsequent construction of a terrace at Xue in the sixth month.^[26] These entries underscore Xue's role as a minor regional power during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BCE), interacting peripherally with larger states like Lu and Qi.^[10] Sima Qian's Shiji (Records of the Grand Historian, ca. 94 BCE) provides further historical detail on Xue, tracing its origins to descendants of the Yellow Emperor and noting its annexation by the state of Qi in 418 BCE under attack by Qi forces. The text also features Tian Wen (d. ca. 280 BCE), posthumously titled Lord Mengchang, who was enfeoffed as Duke of Xue in 351 BCE and governed its territory during the Warring States period, amassing a large retinue of guests and scholars that exemplified the era's patronage networks.^[27]^[10] In Cao Xueqin's Dream of the Red Chamber (Honglou meng, mid-18th century), the Xue clan represents one of the four noble families of Jinling (modern Nanjing), with the matriarch Aunt Xue and her daughter Baochai embodying refined social grace amid familial decline; this portrayal draws on traditional elite lineages while critiquing imperial decay.^[28] The novel's depiction elevates the Xue surname through its integration into a web of aristocratic alliances, reflecting Qing-era nostalgia for Ming prosperity.^[29]

Depictions in Folklore and Modern Fiction

In Chinese folklore, the surname Xue is most notably associated with General Xue Rengui (614–683 CE), a Tang dynasty military figure elevated through oral traditions and storytelling into a symbol of heroic valor and superhuman feats. Legends depict him rising from a humble farmer in Longmen village to a divine warrior, famed for subduing the Khitan tribes at the Battle of Yinshan in 657 CE with archery skills that felled hundreds of enemies, earning imperial favor from Emperor Taizong.^[30] These tales often exaggerate his insatiable appetite, attributing it to possession by a "hungry god," which underscores themes of mortal limits transcended by destiny.^[31] Accompanying narratives include familial tragedies, such as the accidental slaying of his son Xue Dingshan during a rescue attempt, blending martial glory with poignant loss to reinforce moral lessons on duty and fate.^[32] The enduring folktale of Xue Rengui and Wang Baochuan exemplifies spousal devotion, wherein Wang endures 18 years of poverty in a cave while Xue serves on the frontier, culminating in their reunion and vindication of her loyalty against class prejudices. This story, rooted in Yuan dynasty drama but perpetuated in regional oral traditions, portrays Xue as a steadfast patriot whose absence tests human bonds, influencing later adaptations in opera and puppetry across East and Southeast Asia.^[31] Such depictions transformed Xue Rengui from historical commander—verified in Tang records for campaigns against Goguryeo and the Western Turks—into a mythic archetype of the self-made hero, disseminated via pinghua narratives and folk performances that prioritized causal chains of perseverance yielding triumph over verifiable chronology.^[33] In modern fiction, the surname Xue recurs in genre literature like xianxia and danmei web novels, where characters often wield arcane powers or navigate moral ambiguities. Xue Yang, in Mo Xiang Tong Xiu's 2015 serialized novel Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, emerges as a prodigious yet sadistic cultivator who masters corpse manipulation and illusionary techniques, driving plot conflicts through his unrepentant pursuit of forbidden knowledge amid clan intrigues. This portrayal draws on archetypal trickster-villain tropes, reflecting contemporary explorations of agency versus determinism in a supernatural framework. Adaptations into donghua (2018) and live-action series (2019) amplified his cultural footprint, emphasizing psychological depth over historical fidelity.^[34] Similar motifs appear in web serials like Super Gene, featuring the arrogant Xue family as minor antagonists in a sci-fi cultivation world, underscoring lineage-based pride as a catalyst for rivalry.^[35] These depictions prioritize individualistic agency and causal consequences of ambition, diverging from folklore's communal heroism toward introspective antiheroes in digital-native narratives.

Notable Individuals

Scholars, Academics, and Scientists

Xue Qikun (born 1963) is a prominent Chinese physicist specializing in condensed matter physics, serving as a professor at Tsinghua University and president of Southern University of Science and Technology.^[36] He led the first experimental observation of the quantum anomalous Hall effect in 2013 using molecular beam epitaxy to grow topological insulators, a breakthrough enabling dissipationless electronics.^[37] In 2019, his team discovered high-temperature superconductivity at the interface of two non-superconducting materials, advancing potential applications in quantum computing and energy-efficient devices.^[37] For these contributions, Xue received China's State Natural Science Award in 2018 and the National Supreme Science and Technology Award in 2024, becoming the youngest recipient at age 60.^[38] ^[39] He was elected to the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2015 and awarded the international Oliver E. Buckley Condensed Matter Prize in 2023, marking the first time a Chinese scientist received this American Physical Society honor.^[40] ^[41] Xue Yuqun (1931–2019) was a Chinese hydrogeologist and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, known for advancements in groundwater resource evaluation and management in arid regions. His research on karst hydrogeology contributed to sustainable water strategies in karst terrains, influencing policies for water scarcity mitigation in China. Lan Xue, dean of the School of Public Policy and Management at Tsinghua University, is an expert in science and technology policy, with over 4,000 citations for work on innovation systems and governance.^[42] His publications analyze China's transition to an innovation-driven economy, emphasizing evidence-based policy reforms.^[42]

Artists, Media Figures, and Entertainers

Joker Xue (薛之谦), born July 17, 1983, in Shanghai, is a leading Mandopop singer-songwriter, actor, and music producer known for hits like "Actor" and albums such as Biography of Mi, which topped charts and garnered millions of streams.^[43] His career began with the 2005 talent show I Am the Show, leading to debut singles and later a successful comeback after a hiatus, establishing him as one of China's top-streamed artists with over 10 billion digital plays by 2020.^[43] Xue Xiaolu (薛晓路), born in 1981, is a acclaimed film director and screenwriter whose works include Ocean Heaven (2010), starring Jet Li, which explored autism and family bonds, earning praise for its emotional depth and box office success exceeding 40 million RMB.^[44] She followed with Finding Mr. Right (2013), a romantic comedy that grossed over 100 million RMB and led to a sequel, solidifying her as a key figure in contemporary Chinese cinema focused on human relationships.^[45] Xue Song (薛松), born in 1965 in Shanghai, is a prominent contemporary visual artist associated with the New Shanghai School and Chinese Pop Art, renowned for collages incorporating burned book pages and ash to evoke themes of destruction and rebirth following a 1990 studio fire that inspired his signature technique.^[46] His exhibitions, such as those at the Long Museum, feature works blending traditional motifs with modern irony, and he has been collected by institutions worldwide, marking him as a innovator in mixed-media art since the 1990s.^[47]^[48] Fiona Sit (薛凯琪), born August 11, 1981, in Hong Kong, is a singer and actress who rose to fame with debut album Fiona's Happie Road (2004), featuring ballads like "My Love My Fate" that topped charts, and films such as Dumb Po Po (2006), contributing to her status as a versatile entertainer in Cantopop and cinema. Her career spans over a dozen albums and roles in romantic comedies, with sustained popularity through live performances and endorsements into the 2020s.

Athletes and Sports Personalities

Shen Xue, born on November 13, 1976, in Harbin, Heilongjiang, is a retired Chinese pair skater renowned for her partnership with Zhao Hongbo, with whom she achieved multiple Olympic medals, including gold at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, where their free skate performance scored 140.26 points for a total of 216.57. The duo also earned bronze medals at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics (total score 187.43) and 2006 Turin Olympics (total score 211.50), marking China's first figure skating medals. They won world championships in 2002, 2004, and 2010, and secured seven Four Continents titles from 2000 to 2009. Shen's technical precision and aerial elements, such as the throw triple loop, contributed to their dominance, though they faced challenges from judging controversies in earlier cycles. Post-retirement, Shen served as president of the Chinese Figure Skating Association starting in 2018.^[49] Xue Chen, born February 18, 1989, in Fuzhou, Fujian, is a prominent Chinese beach volleyball player who has competed in four Olympic Games, winning bronze in 2008 Beijing with partner Zhang Xi after defeating the American pair in the bronze medal match 21-18, 17-21, 15-13. She participated in London 2012 (fifth place), Rio 2016 (ninth place), and Tokyo 2020 (seventeenth place), accumulating over 100 FIVB World Tour medals, including golds at the 2013 World Championships and multiple Grand Slams. In November 2024, at age 35, Xue claimed her first Beach Pro Tour gold at the Haikou Challenge with 23-year-old partner Zeng Jinjin, defeating the Brazilian duo 21-17, 21-16 in the final, highlighting her enduring blocking prowess (career average 1.2 blocks per match). Her career spans indoor volleyball origins in 2000 before transitioning to beach in 2002, establishing her as China's most decorated beach volleyball athlete with 77 international wins documented through 2024.^[50]^[51] Xue Haifeng, born March 5, 1987, in Ji'an, Jiangxi, is a Chinese archer who contributed to the men's team gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, where the team defeated Taiwan 247-241 in the final, with Xue's qualification round score of 661 ranking him fifth individually. He also competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, reaching the individual round of 32, and amassed Asian Games golds in 2006 and 2010 team events. Ranked as China's 79th most notable athlete by global popularity metrics, Xue's recurve bow accuracy, peaking at world number 10 in 2005, underscored his role in elevating Chinese archery amid state-supported training programs.^[52] Other notable figures include Sang Xue, who won gold in synchronized 3m springboard diving at the 2000 Sydney Olympics with partner Gu Beibei (total score 336.84), and Han Xue, who earned bronze in the 4x100m medley relay swimming at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics as part of China's team finishing in 4:02.34.^[53]

Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs

Charles Xue (薛必群, Xuē Bìqún), known online as Xue Manzi, co-founded UTStarcom, a telecommunications hardware firm, in 1991 after immigrating to the United States, where the company went public on Nasdaq in 2000 with a market capitalization exceeding $10 billion at its peak.^[54] He transitioned to angel investing in China around 2006, funding early-stage internet ventures including 58.com and Dianping, and was dubbed China's first prominent angel investor by industry rankings in 2008.^[55] His investments focused on consumer tech amid China's digital boom, though his public profile drew scrutiny following a 2013 arrest on prostitution charges, after which he publicly confessed on state television.^[56] Xue Xiangdong, born circa 1958, chairs DHC Software Co., Ltd., a Shenzhen-listed firm specializing in industrial application software for sectors like energy and manufacturing, with revenues surpassing 1 billion yuan by 2020.^[57] Starting his career at a state-owned enterprise post-graduation, he built DHC into a key player in enterprise resource planning systems tailored for Chinese heavy industry, amassing a net worth estimated at $1.2 billion as of 2023.^[57] Xue Hua co-founded Guangdong Haid Group in 1998, which grew into one of China's largest aquafeed producers, supplying animal nutrition products and employing over 20,000 workers by 2023 with annual revenues exceeding 30 billion yuan.^[58] A Huazhong Agricultural University graduate, Xue expanded the firm into integrated aquaculture amid rising demand for protein feeds, achieving a market capitalization over 100 billion yuan on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.^[58] Cheng Xue serves as vice chairwoman and CEO of Foshan Haitian Flavouring & Food Company, a dominant player in China's soy sauce and condiment market with over 50% domestic share and annual output of 3 million tons by 2022.^[59] Under her leadership since inheriting family stakes, the firm, founded in 1955, listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 2014, capitalizing on traditional fermentation techniques scaled for mass production.^[59]

Political, Military, and Legal Figures

Xue Rengui (614–683) rose from a peasant farmer in Longmen Village to become a celebrated Tang dynasty general, enlisting in the imperial army in 655 during Emperor Taizong's reign and gaining fame for his archery skills and battlefield valor in campaigns against Goguryeo, culminating in its conquest in 668, as well as victories over Khitan forces in 659.^[30] His exploits, including single-handedly halting enemy advances, were documented in historical narratives emphasizing his physical prowess and strategic acumen, though some accounts blend legend with verified military records from Tang annals.^[60] Xue Yue (1896–1998), born into a peasant family in Guangdong Province, emerged as a key Nationalist general during the Second Sino-Japanese War, commanding forces that repelled Japanese advances in the Battles of Changsha (1939–1944), where his elastic defense tactics inflicted heavy casualties on invaders while preserving Chinese lines.^[61] Enlisting in 1914 and later graduating from the Whampoa Military Academy, he coordinated with Allied efforts and was dubbed the "Patton of Asia" by U.S. observers for his aggressive counteroffensives, though postwar evaluations note his reliance on scorched-earth strategies amid resource shortages.^[61] Xue Muqiao (1904–2005), an economist trained in revolutionary activities during his youth in Wuxi, influenced China's shift from Maoist planning to market reforms after 1978 as a vice-chairman of the State Economic Commission, promoting price liberalization and rural decollectivization that spurred GDP growth from 9.8% annually in the 1980s onward.^[62] His advocacy for pragmatic policies, rooted in empirical analysis of Soviet failures, contrasted with ideological hardliners, earning him credit for foundational aspects of Deng Xiaoping's opening-up strategy despite internal party resistance.^[62] Xue Xuan (died 50 BCE), a high-ranking Han dynasty official from Donghai Commandery, served as Chamberlain for Palace Revenues and later Imperial Counselor, earning renown for rigorous anti-corruption inspections that led to the dismissal or punishment of over 200 officials in 20 BCE for embezzlement and malfeasance.^[63] Appointed amid Emperor Cheng's court intrigues, his enforcement of fiscal accountability through direct audits exemplified early imperial legal oversight, though his tenure ended with demotion under factional pressures.^[63]

Controversial and Criminal Figures

Charles Xue (薛蛮子), a Chinese-American venture capitalist and prominent microblogger on Sina Weibo with over 12 million followers as of 2013, was detained by Beijing police on August 23, 2013, on suspicion of soliciting prostitution involving multiple women.^[64] Authorities linked him to an alleged organized sex ring, but observers widely viewed the charges as pretextual, given Xue's history of using his platform to criticize government corruption and advocate for social reforms, including support for whistleblowers like those exposing scandals in Bo Xilai's Chongqing regime.^[65] On September 15, 2013, Xue appeared on state television in a televised confession, admitting to "irresponsible" online posts that "incited illegal activities" and believing himself "above the law," while expressing remorse for his actions; critics, including human rights groups, described such confessions as coerced under China's legal system.^[65] ^[66] He was released after several months but ceased public activism, highlighting tensions between online influencers and state control over dissent.^[67] Nai Yin Xue, a New Zealand resident of Chinese origin, murdered his wife Anan Liu and their two daughters, aged 2 and 1, on October 9, 2009, in their Mount Roskill home in Auckland, using a blunt instrument to bludgeon them before abandoning the bodies in rural areas. Motivated by marital discord and financial pressures from Xue's failing restaurant business, he fled to China shortly after, where he was arrested in 2011 following an international warrant. Extradited to New Zealand, Xue pleaded guilty to four counts of murder in 2013 and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 33 years, one of the longest such terms in New Zealand history at the time; the court emphasized the premeditated nature and betrayal of family trust. Yu Xue, a former senior scientist at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) specializing in cancer research, pleaded guilty in 2018 to conspiracy to steal trade secrets, admitting to emailing proprietary data on oncology drug candidates to personal accounts between January and May 2017, intending to use it for a position at a Chinese competitor.^[68] The scheme involved collaboration with another GSK employee and a contact in China, violating U.S. economic espionage concerns amid broader patterns of intellectual property theft targeting Western firms.^[69] Xue faced up to 10 years in prison but received a sentence of time served plus probation, reflecting prosecutorial focus on deterrence in technology transfer cases.^[68] Xue Jianguo, former general manager of China South Industries Group (an offshoot of the state-owned Norinco arms conglomerate), was placed under investigation for suspected serious violations of discipline and law—code for corruption—in January 2025 by China's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.^[70] This probe follows a pattern of anti-corruption drives in China's defense sector, where executives have been accused of bribery and abuse of power in procurement and contracts; Xue's case underscores ongoing scrutiny of military-industrial ties, though details remain limited due to state secrecy.^[70] Samuel Xue Lee (薛, commonly known as Sam Lee), a key promoter in the HyperFund cryptocurrency scheme, was charged by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in January 2024 for orchestrating a $1.7 billion pyramid fraud that promised high returns on mining rigs but collapsed, defrauding investors worldwide from 2021 to 2022.^[71] Lee, alongside founder RoninCapital's operators, allegedly used false claims of AI and blockchain profitability to solicit funds, resulting in total losses exceeding $1.3 billion; he faces civil penalties and potential disgorgement, exemplifying risks in unregulated crypto ventures tied to Chinese networks.^[72]

References

[1]
Xue 薛 Last Name Origins, Meaning, and Surname Distribution
Xue Surname Origins From the name of the ancient state of Xue, located in present-day Shandong province. Xi Zhong (奚仲), a descendant of the Yellow Emperor, ...
[2]
Xue Surname Meaning & Xue Family History at Ancestry.com®
Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 薛 originally denoting a 'type of grass' in ancient Chinese: (i) from Xue (薛) the name of an ancient state (originally ...
[3]
Last name XUE: origin and meaning - Geneanet
Etymology. Xue : Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 薛 originally denoting a 'type of grass' in ancient Chinese: (i) from Xue (薛) the name of an ancient ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
[4]
The Top 100 Chinese Surnames - Sinosplice
You'll rarely meet a Chinese person with a surname not in this list of 100. ... 薛, Xuē. 49. 叶, Yè. 50. 阎, Yán. 51. 余, Yú. 52. 潘, Pān. 53. 杜, Dù. 54. 戴, Dài.
[5]
Xue - Wikipedia
Origin. The surname traces back to the State of Xue in what is modern day Shandong. Yu the Great (大禹), founding emperor of the Xia dynasty, bestowed upon his ...Origin · Notable people with this... · Arts, media and entertainment
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Xue - Surname Origins & Meanings - Last Names - MyHeritage
The surname Xue (薛) has its historical roots in China, with origins tracing back to the ancient state of Xue during the Zhou Dynasty ...<|separator|>
[7]
薛 - Dong Chinese dictionary
薛 xuē kind of marsh grass; feudal state; wormwood like grass (classical) 薛 Xuē surname Xue; vassal state during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC)
[8]
Xue Chinese Last Name Facts - My China Roots
It is the [object Object] transliteration of a Chinese surname meaning: vassal state during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC), wormwood like grass (classical).Missing: history | Show results with:history
[9]
Mandarin Chinese Character Dictionary - YellowBridge
Settings. 薛. xuē. Pronunciation. Mandarin, xuē. Cantonese (Jyutping), sit3. 反切 Fanqie, 私列切. Japanese Kun, kawarayomogi, hamasuge. Japanese On, setsu, ...
[10]
薛xuē - English Meaning | Mandarin Temple
Learn the Chinese word 薛xuē in 7 easy steps. Pronunciation & 3 薛xuē English Meanings, 2 Sentences with Audio, Write it!
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The Regional State of Xue 薛 - Chinaknowledge
He was given the territory of Pei 沛and granted the surname Xue. In 351, the ancient place of Xue was given into the hands of Tian Ying 田嬰, Lord Jingguo 靖郭 ...
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Xue Name Meaning and Xue Family History at FamilySearch
Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 薛, originally denoting a 'type of grass' in ancient Chinese: (i) from Xue (薛), the name of an ancient ...
[13]
北京大学教授冯志亮谈薛姓的历史渊源与人口繁衍 - 360Doc
Dec 28, 2020 · 薛人以赖蒿为氏族图腾和名，薛人所居住的地方称薛地，后来建成了城堡，发展成薛国，最终出现薛姓。二、姓氏起源与发展传承. 薛姓主要有两大来源：任姓和妫姓。<|control11|><|separator|>
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薛姓_百度百科
清初，薛姓进入了台湾。根据2006年数据，薛姓的人口已近310万，是全国第七十六位姓氏，大约占全国人口的0.25%。根据2020年全国姓名报告，薛姓排名77。
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《百家姓》之薛姓 - 搜狐
Aug 29, 2017 · 薛姓，在《百家姓》中排名第68位。薛姓是当今中国姓氏排行第四十八位的大姓，人口众多，约占全国汉族人口的百分之零点四二。
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薛姓起源分布与家谱家族 - 23魔方基因检测
薛姓第一大省是山西，约占薛姓总人口的41%。主要分布于山西、浙江，这两省薛姓大约占全国薛姓人口的54%；其次分布于四川、河南、福建、山东，这四省集中了薛姓总人口的28%。
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Xue Surname Origin, Meaning & Last Name History - Forebears
This surname is most frequently occurring in China, where it is borne by 3,670,525 people, or 1 in 373. Excluding China this last name exists in 87 countries.
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Xue Surname/Last Name: Meaning, Origin, Family History 2024
90.6% Chinese origin. 97.88% Asian/Pacific Islander in US. Chinese: Mandarin form of the surname 薛, originally denoting a 'type of grass' in ancient Chinese:.
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Ancient state relics on display at Shandong Museum
May 6, 2016 · The old Xue State, which spanned more than 1,500 years in history, thrived in prehistoric times near the fertile Xue river, which is now ...
[20]
河东薛氏家族祖源分析 - 23魔方基因检测
历代名人有：后秦尚书薛强；刘宋徐州刺史、北魏河东郡公薛安都；北魏金紫光禄大夫薛真度；北魏汾阴侯薛辩；北齐太子太保薛修义；北魏开府仪同三司薛端；隋朝诗人薛道衡；隋末群雄 ...<|separator|>
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强大的薛仁贵家族：40多位子孙为高官，一共辅佐了20多位皇帝_唐太宗
Feb 20, 2021 · ... 家族想要兴旺传承，必定要有争气的后人。而能征善战、善于谋略的薛氏家族，似乎一直处在鼎盛时期，其家族不仅在唐朝声名显赫，还俨然成为大唐帝国的护身符。
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历史上的薛家将：祖孙五代皆是名将，家族显赫二百余年 - 搜狐
Mar 5, 2021 · 中国古代的历史小说有“三大家将”，分别是《杨家将》、《呼家将》以及《薛家将》。之前我已经介绍过了历史上“杨家将”、“呼家将”。今天，咱们就来聊一下唐 ...
[23]
Xue Ju - Wikipedia
Xue Ju's clan was originally from Hedong Commandery (河東 · 薛汪 ; In 617, there were many agrarian rebellions in modern eastern Gansu. Hao Yuan (郝瑗) · 西秦霸王 ...
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欧阳修的岳父：河东薛奎 - 环球人物
Jan 3, 2023 · 鳏居两年后，欧阳修再娶薛氏之女，这薛氏便是绛州正平古堆人、资政殿学士、户部侍郎薛奎。薛氏曾经号称“河东冠族，代不乏贤”。之后，二人白头到老 ...<|separator|>
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Origin of the surname xue - Yutopian
Hometown: North of Xia in Shanxi Province. Tang Dynasty- Xue Ren Gui (general), Xue Na, Xue Yuan Zhao (prime ministers). Song Dynasty- Xue Ju Zheng ...
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https://dbpedia.org/page/Zuo_Zhuan
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河東薛氏宗譜[10卷] - FamilySearch Catalog
聯環譜統一字輩(44世起) : 敦行孝悌道介直平如衡雅章智文秀高超翰苑才貞心亮若日節義維綱常歷代功勳耀盈延柱石臣. 新增名輩: 恩祖閩遷浙賢孫增強國統益振中華群星照 ...Missing: 人物 | Show results with:人物
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About: Zuo Zhuan - DBpedia
In the 31st year, in spring, a terrace was built in Lang. In summer, in the 4th month, the Liege of Xue died. A terrace was built at Xue. In the 6th month ...<|separator|>
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Lord Mengchang 孟嘗君(www.chinaknowledge.de)
Lord Mengchang 孟嘗君(d. ca. 280 BCE) was a high minister in the state of Qi 齊during the late Warring States period (5th cent.-221 BCE).
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Xue Baochai 薛寶釵– Dream of the Red Chamber
Xue Baochai 薛寶釵, who is Daiyu's 黛玉rival for Baoyu's 寶玉affection, is the daughter of Aunt Xue 薛姨媽, the half-sister of Lady Wang 王夫人, Baoyu's 寶玉 ...
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A Fancy Dream-The Splendor of Dream of the Red Chamber
In Dream of the Red Chamber, four prominent families stand out: the Jia, Shi, Wang, and Xue. Shi Xiangyun was born into the Shi family, where Grandmother Jia, ...<|separator|>
[32]
The Rise of Xue Rengui: From Humble Farmer to Legendary General
Feb 21, 2025 · During the peaceful reign of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, a young farmer named Xue Rengui lived in Longmen, a village in modern-day ...
[33]
A Love Story of Devotion: Wang Baochuan and Xue Rengui
Oct 6, 2024 · Wang Baochuan's love for Xue Rengui defied societal norms. Despite hardships, their devotion endured, inspiring generations with a timeless ...
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Myths, Legends, Stories: A Cross-Cultural Reflection on ...
Our story opens with the return of Xue Ren Gui, who was a general in the Tang (唐) Dynasty. He accidentally killed his son when he tried to save the young boy, ...
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From the (Tang) General to the (Jakarta) Specific: Xue Rengui ...
Feb 3, 2020 · This article examines the process of transformation that turned Xue into first a hero of fiction and drama in late imperial China, then of a ...
[36]
Xue Yang | Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation Wiki - Fandom
Xue Yang (薛洋, Xuē Yáng), courtesy name Xue Chengmei (薛成美, Xuē Chéngměi) is a demonic cultivator and a former guest disciple of the Lanling Jin Clan.
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Xue Family | Super Gene Wiki | Fandom
The Xue family, although they weren't very famous, were always full of pride and confidence in themselves. They were even quite arrogant.
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Profile: Xue Qikun, a pioneering physicist and tireless innovator
Jun 24, 2024 · Xue is a distinguished scientist of condensed matter physics, who has achieved multiple scientific breakthroughs.
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新华鲜报丨国家最高科学技术奖获得者薛其坤：科学报国探秘量子世界
Jun 24, 2024 · 首次观测到量子反常霍尔效应、首次发现异质结界面高温超导电性……他用一个个重量级科学发现，助力我国量子科学研究跻身世界第一梯队。
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Tsinghua Prof. Xue Qikun receives China's top sci-tech award
Jun 25, 2024 · Born in 1963, Xue, an internationally renowned experimental physicist, once earned the State Natural Science Award in 2018, China's highest ...Missing: surname | Show results with:surname
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国家最高科学技术奖得主薛其坤：“慢步子”迈出的量子大家
Jun 25, 2024 · 今天，不满61岁的薛其坤获得国家最高科学技术奖，成为历史上最年轻的国家最高科学技术奖得主。在获得中国科学院院士、清华大学教授、南方科技大学校长这一 ...
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清华大学教授薛其坤获得国家最高科学技术奖
Jun 24, 2024 · 2023年度国家最高科学技术奖揭晓，清华大学教授、南方科技大学校长、中国科学院院士、著名凝聚态物理学家薛其坤获此殊荣。回应百年关切，于中国本土实验室 ...
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Chinese scientist makes history by winning the US' top physics prize
Oct 25, 2023 · Physicist Xue Qikun from Tsinghua University is China's first scientist to receive the prestigious Oliver E. Ling Xinin Ohio. Published: 5 ...Missing: surname | Show results with:surname
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Lan XUE | Professor and Dean | Ph.D. in Engineering and Public ...
Lan XUE, Professor and Dean | Cited by 4026 | of Tsinghua University, Beijing (TH) | Read 126 publications | Contact Lan XUE.
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姓薛的明星有哪些 - 农历网
Mar 2, 2017 · 薛之谦，1983年7月17日出生于上海，华语流行乐男歌手、影视演员、音乐制作人，毕业于格里昂酒店管理学院。 2005年，因参加选秀节目《我型我秀》而正式出道； ...
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64 Xue Xiaolu Stock Photos & High-Res Pictures - Getty Images
Actor Wu Xiuibo attends the premiere of director Xue Xiaolu's film "Book of Love" on April 17, 2016 in Beijing, China.Missing: famous singers
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Fiona Sit 薛凱琪 is a prominent Cantopop singer, actress ... - Facebook
Jul 25, 2025 · Xue Xiaolu 薛曉路 is a celebrated Chinese film director and screenwriter based in Beijing. Her breakthrough film Ocean Heaven (2010) ...
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Xue Song, The Artist Who Rose From The Ashes
Oct 11, 2013 · Xue Song is a Chinese artist known for using burned materials in collages. A fire in 1990, which destroyed his work, led to his unique artistic ...
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Xue Song: Phoenix Art from the Ashes - Long Museum
... Xue Song, "Gene genealogy". This large-scale creation consists of 100 small works, each of them is a Chinese surname, which together spell out a map of China.Missing: depictions folklore<|separator|>
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Asian Art Newspaper Xue Song
Feb 25, 2021 · Chinese mixed media artist Xue Song celebrates 20 years working in studios at Shanghai's M50 and discusses his latest work.
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China's top 10 Winter Olympic athletes
Feb 3, 2022 · Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo were household names in China but became even more famous after they won the country's first figure skating Olympic ...
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Legendary Xue wins first Beach Pro Tour gold with new partner Zeng
Nov 17, 2024 · 35-year-old Beijing 2008 Olympic bronze medallist and four-time Olympian Xue and her new 23-year-old partner Zeng topped the podium at the Haikou Challenge.
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Chen XUE - Olympics.com
Chen XUE. People's Republic of China. CHN. Beach Volleyball. Olympic Medals. 1B. Games Participations4. First Olympic GamesBeijing 2008. Year ...<|separator|>
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Xue Haifeng Biography - Pantheon World
Xue Haifeng is the 4,551st most popular athlete (up from 4,842nd in 2019), the 1,411th most popular biography from China (up from 1,430th in 2019) and the 79th ...
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Xue - Namesakes - Behind the Name
Olympic Medalists: 1 bronze, 1 bronze/gold, 1 gold. (bronze) Han Xue 1996 swimming - 4x100 m medley relay. (gold) Sang Xue 2000 diving - synchronized ...
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Charles Xue - Crunchbase Person Profile
Charles Xue, also known as Xue Manzi, is a Chinese-American angel investor and entrepreneur. He is co-founder of UT Starcom and has invested in Chinese internet ...
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Charles Xue: Interview with one of China's leading tech investors ...
Jul 24, 2019 · Chinese-American national Charles Xue has led an interesting life, becoming one of the richest men, and a leading tech investor, in China.
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Charles Xue: Latest News and Updates | South China Morning Post
Charles Xue Biqun, also known by his alias Xue Manzi, is a billionaire venture capitalist and one of the most active investors in the Chinese internet industry.
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Xue Xiangdong & family - Forbes
Xue Xiangdong chairs Shenzhen-listed DHC Software, which makes software for industrial applications. Xue worked at a state-owned company after graduation ...
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Xue Hua - Forbes
Xue Hua is cofounder and chairman of Guangdong Haid Group, a supplier of animal feed products. Haid employs 20,000 people. Xue graduated from Huazhong ...
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Cheng Xue - Forbes
Cheng Xue is the vice chairwoman and CEO of Foshan Haitian Flavoring & Food Company, one of the largest makers of condiments in China.
[62]
From the (Tang) General to the (Jakarta) Specific: Xue Rengui ...
Feb 3, 2020 · Xue Rengui (614–683) was one of several Tang military “commanders with all the characteristics of the purely military man – martial arts skills, ...
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Xue Yue | World War II Database
Xue Yue was born into a peasant family in Guangdong (Canton) Province. He joined the Chinese Army in 1914, and later enrolled in the Whampoa Military Academy.Missing: political legal
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Xue Muqiao | China | The Guardian
Aug 16, 2005 · Born in Wuxi, a prosperous agricultural centre in the lower Yangtze valley, Xue took part as a school student in the patriotic demonstrations of ...Missing: surname | Show results with:surname
[65]
Xue Xuan 薛宣 (www.chinaknowledge.de)
Xue Xuan 薛宣, courtesy name Xue Ganjun 薛贛君, was a high minister of the late Former Han period 前漢 (206 BCE-8 CE). He came from Donghai 東海 (modern ...
[66]
Chinese Police Detain Celebrity Blogger for Solicitation as ...
Aug 26, 2013 · Police have detained Chinese-American venture capitalist Charles Xue, one of the most popular celebrity bloggers in China, on suspicion of ...
[67]
Charles Xue 'confession' highlights China's blogging backlash - BBC
Oct 1, 2013 · Mr Xue admitted to spreading irresponsible posts online and believing himself above the law. "This is completely unacceptable," he said to the camera, "and it ...
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Detained Chinese-American blogger confesses to 'irresponsible ...
Sep 16, 2013 · “When Xue was arrested, it was claimed by the mainstream media that he was detained for alleged group sex, not for his Big V identity, “ wrote ...Missing: figures surname
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Outspoken Chinese American investor Charles Xue detained in ...
Aug 25, 2013 · Famous Chinese-American angel investor and social media celebrity Charles Xue has been detained in Beijing for suspected involvement in prostitution.
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Xue family murder and abandonment - Wikipedia
The Xue family murder and abandonment case involves the murder by New Zealand man Nai Yin Xue of his wife Anan (Annie) Liu (劉安安), in Mount Roskill, ...Missing: surname | Show results with:surname
[71]
Former GSK cancer scientist admits attempt to steal trade secrets
Sep 4, 2018 · Yu Xue (48) has been accused of sending information on her own research and that of other GSK scientists to her own private email address, as ...
[72]
Two Scientists Plead Guilty for Conspiring to Sell and Use ...
At the end of August 2018, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) research scientist, Dr. Yu Xue ... Fraud & Scam AlertsNoticesSubscribeAttorney Advertising. We, our service ...
[73]
Former executive at offshoot of Chinese arms giant Norinco under ...
Jan 24, 2025 · Xue Jianguo is the latest figure associated with the defence contractor to be placed under investigation.<|separator|>
[74]
Xue Samuel Lee, a/k/a “Sam” Lee and Brenda Indah Chunga, a/k/a ...
Jan 30, 2024 · SEC Charges Founder of $1.7 Billion “HyperFund” Crypto Pyramid Scheme and Top Promoter with Fraud. The Securities and Exchange Commission today ...Missing: corruption scandal
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SEC Charges Founder of $1.7 Billion “HyperFund” Crypto Pyramid ...
May 30, 2024 · The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged Xue ... Chunga pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud.