Reshuffle Reveals Fragile Balance of Power in China’s Military

The internal purges, coming amid deep-rooted factional tensions, are greatest in the military since the Cultural Revolution, according to many observers.

Zhang Youxia (front), newly-elected Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the People's Republic of China, swears an oath with members of the Central Military Commission (L-R) Zhang Shengmin, Liu Zhenli, He Weidong, Li Shangfu, and Miao Hua, after they were elected during the fourth plenary session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on March 11, 2023. Greg Baker/Pool via Reuters

News Analysis

As China reshuffles its military leadership, the appointment of Gen. Zhang Shengmin as vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) is widely seen as a temporary compromise between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and senior military figure Zhang Youxia.