Mao Zedong's grandson to teach grandfather's philosophy

Mao Xinyu is to be a part-time teacher of his grandfather's philosophy, taking on a class of 65 students at Guangzhou University's Songtian Professional College. -- PHOTO: AFP

BEIJING (AFP) - He is a major general in the Chinese army, a political adviser, an author and a blogger, and now the grandson of China's revolutionary leader Mao Zedong has taken up a university teaching post.

Mao Xinyu is to be a part-time teacher of his grandfather's philosophy, taking on a class of 65 students at Guangzhou University's Songtian Professional College, according to a statement on the school's website.

The heavy-set 41-year-old, who bears a resemblance to his grandfather, has acknowledged that his family background has helped his career progress.

He is already a major general and researcher in the People's Liberation Army, and a delegate to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, a body that in theory advises the main congress on political matters.