In October 1930, Chen became the head of Teaching regiment of Red Third Army. Shortly he became the chief of staff in Red Fourth Army, and later chief of staff in Red Third Army. In March 1932, he became the chief of staff in Red First Army Group.
In 1945, he became the vice commander of Hebei-Rehe-Liaoning Military Region, and went to Northeast. In winter of 1947, he was the vice commander of Dongman (Jilin) Military Region. In summer of 1948, he became commander of Liaoning Military Region. After Liaoshen campaign, he became the chief of staff in Northeast Military Region.
In May 1949, he was appointed as the commander of Jiangxi Military Region, and in 1952 became the chairman of Jiangxi Political Consultative Conference.
