Chinese Military Second-in-Command’s Visit to Vietnam Signals Power Change in Beijing

The visit to Vietnam by Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission suggests that Xi Jinping may no longer hold absolute power.

Vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the People's Republic of China Zhang Youxia (L) and He Weidong attend the fifth plenary session of the National People's Congress in Beijing on March 12, 2023. Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

News Analysis

The Chinese military’s second-in-command’s visit to Vietnam has again raised questions about the power balance tilting away from Xi Jinping, the chief of the Chinese Military Commission. Such a visit is typically Xi’s responsibility.