1978 was admitted to the Economics Department of Hebei University, majoring in political economy.
1985- 1996 engaged in economics and military economics teaching in naval command college, and served as lecturer, associate professor and director of political work teaching and research section.
1September, 1996 to1July, 1999, he studied in the Graduate School of National Defense University, and was the first doctoral student majoring in national defense economics in China.
From June 5438 to February 2003, he served as political commissar of Xisha Marine Police District of South China Sea Fleet.
From 2009 to 20 12, 12, deputy director of the political department of Ren Haijun South China Sea Fleet.
In July 2009, he was promoted to the rank of Major General.
20 16,16 10. In October, Major General Chen Yan, combined with his rich experience of being stationed in Xisha and other South China Sea islands 10, passionately and humorously told everyone about the hardships and joys of life of officers and men stationed in the South China Sea, and expounded the important strategic position of the South China Sea and the disputes in the South China Sea with vivid examples. When talking about China's future maritime security, Chen Yan believes that the South China Sea issue will become a major geopolitical and national security strategy that China has to deal with for a long time. We should look at the South China Sea issue historically and objectively. Strategic planning should proceed from the overall situation of national security, take a long-term view, make overall consideration, make full preparations for emergencies, and vigorously enhance military strength on the basis of developing national strength to create a maritime situation conducive to China.