As listed in "Who's who in China current leaders", in 1949, during the Incorporation of Xinjiang into the People's Republic of China, he defected to the Communist People's Liberation Army, revolting against the Kuomintang in Urumqi. He continued to serve as an officer from 1949–1953 in the People's Liberation Army, "commander of the 7th Cavalry Division in the 22nd army". In 1953–1954 Han was then transferred to "3rd deputy chief of staff in Xinjiang Military Area Command".