Xi Rebuilds PLA Leadership
China's President Xi Jinping promotes new military anti-graft chief and air force commander, solidifying his control over the People's Liberation Army
Xi Jinping's efforts to rebuild the People's Liberation Army (PLA) leadership have been underway for several months, with significant changes made to the top command. As reported by The Japan Times, Zhang Shuguang, a veteran PLA anti-graft officer, was promoted to head the Central Military Commission's discipline inspection commission, replacing Zhang Shengmin as the military's top anti-graft watchdog. This move is seen as part of Xi's broader efforts to consolidate power and ensure loyalty within the PLA, as he has absolute control over China's military, according to cnn.com.
The promotions of Zhang Shuguang and Wang Gang, commander of the PLA Air Force, to the highest rank for officers on active duty in China, signal a significant shift in the PLA's leadership. Analysts believe that these changes could have implications for China's military strategy, particularly with regards to Taiwan, where Taiwan simulates invasion drills have become increasingly common. The scale of Xi's military purges could also hinder China's ability to fight, according to some think tanks, which have raised concerns about the potential consequences of these changes.
In recent weeks, two generals have appeared near top PLA officers at high-profile events, signalling their swift rise to fill gaps left by Xi's anti-graft campaign, as noted by scmp.com. This has led to speculation about the future of China's military leadership, with some analysts suggesting that Xi is seeking to promote loyalists to key positions. Meanwhile, China's military has been making strides in other areas, such as the development of the J-15T aircraft, which has implications for the country's combat integration. In contrast to the growing instability in regions like the Sahel, where Sahel extremism risk grows, China's military modernization efforts appear to be progressing steadily.
Xi's efforts to rebuild the PLA top brass have been closely watched by analysts, who see these changes as part of a broader effort to consolidate power and ensure loyalty within the military. As reported in Xi rebuilds PLA top brass, these changes have significant implications for China's military strategy and its relationships with neighboring countries. China and Sudan recently signed off on a waiver of $50m, as Sudan's military-led government seeks support amid Western sanctions, highlighting the complex web of relationships and alliances that China is navigating.
As I reflect on Xi's efforts to rebuild the PLA leadership, I firmly believe that this move is a calculated step to consolidate his power and control. My thesis is that Xi's restructuring of the PLA will ultimately lead to a more authoritarian and centralized Chinese military. If nothing changes, Xi himself will be the clear winner, further solidifying his grip on the country. The implications of this are far-reaching, and it remains to be seen how this will impact China's relations with the rest of the world. One thing is certain, however, Xi's power will continue to grow.
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