Choe fought in the anti-Japanese struggle since 1932. He became one of the most important military leaders of the armed resistance in Manchuria. His merits surpassed those of Kim Il-sung, including leading troops in the Battle of Pochonbo, later attributed to Kim in North Korean propaganda. The two were, however, close friends during and after the guerrilla years. After the liberation of Korea, the guerrillas chose Kim among themselves to be the leader of North Korea, even though Choe was his senior and had a higher rank in the Communist Party of China (CPC).