🪖 A Sudden Move Amid Military Shake-Up
China has appointed Zhang Shengmin, a veteran military figure known for his hard stance on corruption, as the nation’s second-highest-ranking general — just days after nine top military officials were expelled in what experts describe as one of the biggest purges in decades.
The announcement came at the conclusion of a four-day Central Committee meeting, where Zhang was officially confirmed as vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) — a position that places him directly below President Xi Jinping and first vice chairman Zhang Youxia.
⚔️ Anti-Corruption Chief Turned Power Player
Zhang Shengmin, 67, has long been recognized as one of Xi’s most trusted allies. He previously led the anti-corruption division within the CMC, targeting internal fraud and misconduct within China’s armed forces.
His promotion reflects Xi Jinping’s continued effort to consolidate power and cleanse the ranks of military elites accused of financial wrongdoing.
Last week, China’s defense ministry said the nine dismissed generals were suspected of “serious financial crimes.” Analysts, however, suggest the move was more political than disciplinary, aimed at reinforcing Xi’s control over the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
🧩 Purge, Politics, and Power
This marks one of the largest military purges in modern Chinese history. The CMC had already hinted at such an action earlier this year, releasing new directives to eliminate “toxic influences” and enforce strict loyalty rules among senior officers.
Past crackdowns saw the removal of former defense ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, signaling a consistent pattern of internal restructuring under Xi’s rule.
🌱 Reform Meets Strategy: The Bigger Picture
The same four-day meeting also approved China’s new five-year plan, a sweeping policy roadmap that emphasizes:
- Technological self-reliance amid ongoing U.S. sanctions on semiconductors and AI systems
- Green energy transition and modernization of defense systems
- Boosting domestic consumption to offset shrinking export markets
Zhang’s appointment could ensure that military reforms align closely with Xi’s broader national strategy — merging economic resilience, technological strength, and military modernization into a unified national vision.