At this time, summiting Mount Everest was designated as a national task for the upcoming China-Nepal border negotiations, as the status of Mount Everest was still disputed. In February 1960, the Chinese Everest Team, with 214 members, was formed. Han Fudong, leader of the hero regiment from Chinese Civil War Battle of Tashan, was appointed as director. Shi Zhanchun and Xu Jing was team leader and deputy leader, respectively.