In 1965, an Il-28 bomber broke through the defensive line and flew towards Taiwan. Li Xianbin, the pilot on the plane, did not hesitate to betray the motherland and abandon his relatives for the sake of a defection bonus of 2.8 million yuan. He was named a "righteous man" in Taiwan and enjoyed a life of drunken gold fans. However, 26 years later, homesickness drove him to venture back to the mainland to visit his mother, only to be arrested and imprisoned for treason.
This legendary experience, spanning a quarter of a century, is both a portrayal of human greed and a history of embarrassment. Li Xianbin's life trajectory, from defection to arrest, from glory and wealth to desolation in his old age, reflects the changes of an era. His story is like a mirror, reflecting the complexity and contradictions of human nature.
Dote on the growth of a military career
In 1937, Shandong Province ushered in the cry of a baby, and this child was Li Xianbin. He was born into an ordinary family and was not wealthy.
Li Xianbin is the only son in the family, and his parents love him very much. Despite the poor conditions of the family, his parents did their best to provide him with the best living and educational environment.
In order to provide for Li Xianbin to go to school, his parents were frugal, and even borrowed money. When Li Xianbin was 11 years old, his parents arranged a marriage for him.
This kind of excessive doting has invisibly cultivated Li Xianbin's selfish character. He gradually developed the habit of caring only for himself and not for others.
After completing his studies, in response to the call of the country, Li Xianbin decided to join the army. With excellent physical fitness, he successfully entered the Air Force Academy.
When he first entered the school, Li Xianbin was still full of enthusiasm. However, the rigorous training of the military academy soon made the young man, who had been pampered since childhood, feel uncomfortable.
As time went on, Li Xianbin's dissatisfaction with military life grew. He yearns for a comfortable and comfortable life more and more, and the desire for enjoyment is getting stronger and stronger.
After graduating, Li Xianbin was assigned to the bomber unit. On the surface, he was a loyal Air Force pilot, but in reality, his heart had long since deviated from his military duties.
While on a flight mission, Li Xianbin began to secretly plot a defection. He carefully observes the flight path of each mission, looking for possible escape opportunities.
At the same time, he is also looking for possible accomplices. Li Xianbin tried to convince some of his comrades to defect with him, but most of them rejected his offer.
Mr. Lee's actions aroused suspicion among some colleagues. It was noticed that he often asked for details that were not related to the mission, but no one expected him to do such a rebellious thing.
In this way, Li Xianbin is performing his duties as a pilot on the surface, but inside he is brewing a plan that is enough to shock the whole country. Every time he flies, it could be an opportunity for him to defect.
As time went on, Lee's desire to defect grew stronger. He began to collect all kinds of military intelligence that could be valuable to Taiwan, hoping to exchange it for more benefits.
In this process, Li Xianbin is also weighing the pros and cons. He knew full well that once he defected, there was no going back. However, the temptation of money and a comfortable life eventually prevailed over his attachment to his country and family.
In 1965, the opportunity finally came. During a routine bomber training, Li Xianbin decided to implement his long-brewing plan.
The flight path of this training happened to be close to the Taiwan Strait, and Li Xianbin thought it was an excellent time to defect. He began to make final preparations for the upcoming operation.
Before taking off, Li Xianbin tried again to persuade his comrade-in-arms Lian Baosheng to defect with him. He described to Lian Baosheng the good life after defection, but Lian Baosheng resolutely refused.
In the face of Lian Baosheng's refusal, Li Xianbin did not give up. He tried to coerce him by force, but Lian Baosheng would rather die than give in, and finally chose to commit suicide.
Lian Baosheng's death did not shake Li Xianbin's determination. On the contrary, he became even more determined in the idea of defection. Li Xianbin knows that there is no way back now.
During the flight, Li Xianbin suddenly took out the pistol he was carrying with him and wounded another comrade-in-arms, Li Caiwang. This move completely exposed his intention to defect.
At this critical moment, Li Xianbin decisively changed the flight route and flew the Il-28 bomber straight to Taiwan. His heart raced, his hands clenched on the joysticks, and he was fully absorbed in piloting the plane.
After a thrilling flight, Li Xianbin finally landed successfully at Taoyuan Airport in Taiwan. The moment he stepped off the plane, he knew he was about to turn a new page in his life.
The bomber took off and defected to the island of Taiwan
In 1965, a seemingly ordinary training day became a turning point that changed Li Xianbin's fate. On this day, he piloted the Il-28 bomber and carried out a routine training mission with his comrades.
Before taking off, Li Xianbin's behavior seemed to be the same as usual, but there was already an undercurrent in his heart. He carefully checked the indicators of the aircraft to make sure that everything was working properly.
The plane slowly taxied towards the runway, Li Xianbin's hands clenched the joystick, and his eyes were staring ahead. Following the command of the tower, the bomber roared into the sky.
The moment he left the ground, Li Xianbin knew that he was about to make a decision from which he could not turn back. He glued to the dashboard, waiting for the perfect moment to come.
During the flight, Li Xianbin suddenly changed the established route. His actions immediately alerted his comrades on the same plane. Li Caiwang asked him why he had deviated from the course, but Li Xianbin did not answer.
The atmosphere instantly became tense. Li Xianbin knew that in order to realize his plan, he must first solve the obstacles around him. He quickly took out the pistol he was carrying with him and aimed it at the defenseless Li Caiwang.
The sound of gunfire echoed in the cramped cabin, and Li Caiwang fell to the ground in response. Blood soon stained his uniform, but he was still struggling to stop Lee's defection.
Another comrade-in-arms, Lian Baosheng, witnessed all this and immediately realized Li Xianbin's intentions. He tried to snatch the weapon from Lee's hand, and the two engaged in a fierce fight in the cabin.
In the confusion, Li Xianbin fired again, but this time did not hit the target. Lian Baosheng took the opportunity to pounce on the cockpit console, trying to take back control of the plane.
Li Xianbin saw that the plan might fall short, so he tried his best to fight against Lian Baosheng. The two of them went back and forth, and the plane swayed in the air, almost losing control.
Finally, Li Xianbin gained the upper hand and suppressed Lian Baosheng to the ground. He gasped and raised his pistol again. Lian Baosheng knew that he was powerless, but he insisted on not giving in to the traitor.
Faced with the threat of death, Lian Baosheng chose to die rather than give in. He shouted "sacrifice for the country, die without regrets", resolutely chose to commit suicide, and interpreted the loyalty of a soldier with his life.
Seeing the blood of his comrades staining the cabin red, Li Xianbin did not waver in the slightest. He quickly adjusted the altitude and direction of his flight and flew towards the Taiwan Strait.
At this point, the ground command center had already discovered the anomaly. They called Li Xianbin several times and asked him to return immediately, but no one answered. The ground forces began an emergency operation to try to stop the defected bomber.
Li Xianbin knew that he had to race against time. He was engrossed in maneuvering the plane, using his knowledge of the terrain and radar systems to try to evade tracking from the ground.
The plane sped through layers of clouds and fog in the direction of Taiwan. Beads of sweat oozed from Li Xianbin's forehead, but his eyes remained steadfast. Every second, he counted the remaining fuel and flight distance.
Finally, the outline of the island of Taiwan came into view. Li Xianbin breathed a sigh of relief, but he knew that the danger had not completely passed. He began to look for a suitable place to land.
Li Xianbin chose Taoyuan Airport as the landing site. He knew that this decision might cause alarm on the part of Taiwan, but he had no choice. There is not much fuel left for the plane.
When the bomber approached the Taoyuan airport, it really caused an alarm from Taiwan's air defense system. Ground air defense forces were immediately put on alert, ready to respond to possible air strikes.
Li Xianbin realized that the situation was critical, and he decisively turned on the radio communication system. "I'm a pilot from the mainland, requesting an emergency landing!" He shouted with all his might.
Taiwan was initially confused and skeptical of the sudden request. But soon, they realized that it could be a defected plane. The airport immediately began preparations for an emergency landing.
The Il-28 bomber slowly landed on the runway of Taoyuan Airport. When the tire touched the ground, Li Xianbin knew that his defection plan had finally succeeded.
As soon as the plane came to a stop, a large number of armed men surrounded it. Li Xianbin raised his hands and walked out of the cockpit. There was a relieved look on his face.
Taiwan quickly took control of the scene and conducted a preliminary interrogation of Li Xianbin. They were surprised to find that there were two more bodies on board the bomber. Li Xianbin briefly explained what happened during the flight.
The news soon spread throughout the island of Taiwan. The successful defection of a continental bomber is undoubtedly a big news. The Taiwan authorities immediately convened an emergency meeting to discuss how to deal with this emergency.
For Taiwan, Li Xianbin brought not only an advanced bomber, but more importantly, the military intelligence he may have. They decided to give Li Xianbin preferential treatment as a way to encourage more mainland soldiers to defect.
In this way, Li Xianbin started his new life in Taiwan. Although his defection has yielded him rich material rewards, he is also destined to bear a heavy price for betraying his homeland and comrades-in-arms.
The dream of wealth and glory is difficult to return homesick
The news of Li Xianbin's landing in Taiwan was like a bombshell, causing a huge sensation on both sides of the strait. The Taiwan authorities attached special importance to this "anti-communist righteous man" and immediately arranged a series of solemn welcoming ceremonies.
Li Xianbin was placed in a luxury hotel and enjoyed VIP treatment. His room is spacious and bright, and from the window you can overlook the bustling scene of the entire Taipei city.
In the days that followed, Li Xianbin became the focus of Taiwan media. Journalists flocked to interview the "brave defector" pilot.
Taiwan authorities arranged a series of press conferences for Mr. Lee. In front of the camera, Mr. Lee described his defection in detail and lashed out at the mainland's political system.
These remarks have aroused strong repercussions in Taiwan. Many people regard Li Xianbin as a hero, and the streets and alleys are discussing this "righteous man" from the mainland.
The Taiwan authorities quickly delivered on their promises. Lee received a whopping NT$2.8 million in bonuses, which was a huge amount of money at the time.
In addition to the generous bonus, Li Xianbin also received special care from the Taiwan authorities. He was placed to settle in an upscale community and enjoyed a good life.
Li Xianbin's new home is a luxury villa with exquisite decoration and exquisite furniture. For the first time, he had his own swimming pool and private garden, and lived a life of luxury that he had never imagined.
The Taiwan authorities also arranged a decent job for Mr. Lee. Although he no longer flies, he works as a consultant in Air Force intelligence, where he enjoys a good salary and a variety of benefits.
Outside of work, Li Xianbin often goes in and out of high-end places. He became a regular at Taipei's famous nightclubs, enjoying the glory and wealth in the bright lights.
However, as time passed, Li Xianbin gradually felt an unspeakable emptiness. Despite his abundant material life, he was never able to integrate into Taiwan society.
In the dead of night, Li Xianbin always thinks of his relatives who stayed on the mainland. Especially his elderly mother, I don't know if she is okay. This homesickness is growing stronger.
Li Xianbin began to frequent the gathering places of mainland Chinese in Taipei. There, he could hear the dialect of his hometown and eat familiar hometown dishes.
Sometimes, Li Xianbin would secretly listen to radio programs on the mainland. Although most of the content was propaganda, the familiar accent made him feel more familiar.
As the days passed, Li Xianbin's homesickness became stronger and stronger. He began to inquire about the possibility of returning to the mainland, but the answer he received was always negative.
The Taiwan authorities are closely watching Li Xianbin's every move. They feared that the "righteous man" would change his position, so they imposed severe restrictions on his movements.
Li Xianbin tried to apply for a trip abroad, hoping to take the opportunity to get closer to the mainland. But his applications were always rejected on various grounds.
During his time in Taiwan, Li Xianbin met some people who had similar experiences to him. They often get together and talk about their longing for their homeland.
Once, Li Xianbin met a businessman who had just come to Taiwan from the mainland. The man brought the latest news from his hometown, which made Li Xianbin very excited.
Li Xianbin inquired that his mother was still alive and had been waiting for her son to come home. This news was like a fire, igniting the long-suppressed homesickness in Li Xianbin's heart.
Since then, Li Xianbin has secretly planned to return to the mainland. He knew it would be a dangerous adventure, but he had already made up his mind.
Mr. Lee began to quietly contact some people who might help him. He cautiously searched for various channels, hoping to find a safe way back home.
In this process, Li Xianbin had to face many difficulties. The Taiwan authorities have not relaxed their surveillance of him, and every unusual move he makes may arouse suspicion.
In order to hide people's eyes, Li Xianbin still maintains his usual living habits on the surface. He continued to go to high-end venues and attend social events, trying not to be suspicious.
Finally, in 1991, 26 years after defection, the opportunity came. Li Xianbin obtained a chance to return to the mainland through a secret channel.
Li Xianbin carefully planned his "disappearance". He lied that he was going on a trip to another country, but in fact he embarked on a secret journey back to his hometown.
When Li Xianbin set foot on the land of the mainland again, he was very excited. He couldn't wait to see his mother, who had been absent for so long.
However, Mr. Lee underestimated the gravity of his defection. Not long after he arrived in his hometown, he was discovered and arrested by the local public security organs.
Li Xianbin was charged with treason and other felonies. His return is not a reunion, but a severe punishment from the law.
In this way, Li Xianbin's "Taiwan dream" was completely shattered. Not only did he lose the glory and wealth he enjoyed in Taiwan, but he also had to pay the price for his betrayal.
The heroic dreams of the past are now repented in prison
The news of Li Xianbin's arrest quickly swept the country like a whirlwind. The dramatic turn of the once "heroic pilot" who was once a prisoner of the ladder has surprised everyone.
The public security organs launched a rigorous interrogation of Li Xianbin. In the interrogation room, Li Xianbin had to face his past behavior, and every detail was repeatedly questioned.
Lee's case was quickly transferred to a military court. Considering the particularity and sensitivity of the case, the trial process was kept confidential throughout the process.
The trial at the military court lasted several months. During this period, a large number of witnesses were called to testify, including comrades-in-arms who worked with Li Xianbin in the past.
Prosecutors produced a large amount of evidence, including records of Mr. Lee's words and deeds while in Taiwan. All of these materials are indictments of his betrayal of the motherland.
Defense lawyers tried to exonerate Mr. Lee, claiming that he had been seduced by Taiwan authorities. However, in the face of overwhelming evidence, such a defense pales in comparison.
During the trial, Li Xianbin's attitude changed from initial resistance to later admitting guilt and accepting the law. He seems to have finally realized the serious consequences of his actions.
In the end, the military court handed down its verdict. Li Xianbin was sentenced to death, with a two-year reprieve, and deprived of political rights for life.
This verdict has caused great repercussions in society. Some people think that the crime deserves it, while others feel that it should be dealt with lightly.
Li Xianbin is being held in a high-security military prison. He once enjoyed a luxurious life, but now he can only live in a small cell.
Prison life is hard. The fixed daily schedule, monotonous prison meals, and limited space for activities are all in stark contrast to his life in Taiwan.
Li Xianbin began to reflect on his life. He recalled his decision to defect, how young and stupid he was at that time.
While serving his sentence, Li Xianbin showed deep remorse. He took the initiative to propose to the prison authorities, hoping to make some contribution to the country to make up for his mistakes.
Taking into account Li Xianbin's special background, the prison authorities decided to let him participate in some educational and reform work. Mr. Lee began to tell other prisoners about his experience, warning them not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
Mr. Lee's story resonated strongly in prison. Many prisoners were touched by his experience and expressed their desire to reform and become new people.
As time went on, Li Xianbin's performance got better and better. Not only has he changed a lot in his thinking, but he has also shown a positive attitude in his daily life.
The two-year probation period is coming to an end, and Li Xianbin's fate has once again become the focus of social attention. Many people are speculating whether he will eventually be executed.
That's when an unexpected turn of events occurred. Considering Lee's good performance during his sentence, the Supreme Court decided to review his case.
The review process was extraordinarily rigorous. The court re-examined every detail of the case, while also taking full account of Lee's repentance.
After careful consideration, the Supreme Court finally made a surprising decision: to commute Lee's death sentence to life imprisonment.
This decision immediately sparked a wide discussion in society. Some see it as a humane manifestation of the law, while others see it as too lenient for treasonous criminals.
Li Xianbin is both fortunate and guilty about this result. He knew that his crimes deserved to be punished more severely.
Since then, Li Xianbin has worked harder to reinvent himself. He took the initiative to take on all the work in the prison and became a model prisoner in the prison.
Mr. Lee's story has been incorporated into some cautionary educational materials. His story is a living example of what the world is calling.
While serving his sentence, Li Xianbin finally met his mother, who had been absent for many years. There was no joy in this meeting, only endless regret and tears.
Li Xianbin confessed to his mother, saying that he was ashamed of the motherland and his family. Although the old mother was heartbroken, she still forgave this lost son.
As time passed, Lee's story faded into public view. But for the military, his case has always been used as an important cautionary tale.
Every year in the secrecy education class, Li Xianbin's story will be mentioned. It always reminds every soldier to be loyal to the motherland and cherish the hard-won military honor.
Li Xianbin spent the rest of his life in prison. He proved his repentance with practical actions, and he was also silently atoning for his past mistakes.
This pilot, who once defected to Taiwan and returned to the motherland, his life is like a drama of ups and downs. From the pride of the sky to the prisoner, Li Xianbin's experience is undoubtedly a profound test of human nature.
His story has become a microcosm of an era and is forever engraved in modern Chinese history. It warns the world that no matter what the circumstances, patriotism and law-abiding are always the most basic responsibilities of a citizen.