Xu Qiliang’s Journey in China’s Military Is the Epitome of CCP’s Infighting and Self-Destruction

Chinese vice chairman of the Central Military Commission Xu Qiliang attends the opening ceremony of the National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 5, 2016. Wang Zhao/AFP via Getty Images

News Analysis

Xu Qiliang, former First Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), is a figure whose career trajectory within the CCP military ranks is remarkably smooth and successful. Having served under four generations of Chinese leaders—from Deng Xiaoping to Xi Jinping—Xu enjoyed an uninterrupted rise until his retirement at the age of 72.