Why did Lin Biao escape?

Lin Biao, a prominent Chinese military leader and politician, attempted to flee to the Soviet Union in September 1971 due to a loss of favor with Mao Zedong and growing tensions within the Communist Party of China. Initially, Lin was viewed as Mao’s designated successor, but as political dynamics shifted, he became increasingly marginalized. The motivations behind Lin Biao's escape included fears for his safety and concerns about being purged. He was reportedly involved in a failed coup attempt against Mao, attempting to consolidate power within the party. The situation escalated when Lin and his allies believed that Mao was planning to eliminate them, leading to his desperate attempt to flee China with his family. The escape ended tragically when his plane crashed in Mongolia on September 13, 1971, which resulted in his death. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain controversial and are often viewed through multiple historical perspectives, leading to various theories regarding the reasons and implications of Lin Biao's escape.