China elevates a military general to the Politburo and seeks to strengthen party discipline
China has appointed General Zhang Shengmin to the Politburo, filling a long-standing vacancy for military representation in the party's top governing body. The move coincides with a new resolution aimed at strengthening party discipline and anti-corruption efforts ahead of President Xi Jinping's expected fourth term.
Why it matters
This consolidation of power signals a tighter integration between the People's Liberation Army and the Communist Party leadership, reflecting Xi Jinping's focus on internal security and military loyalty.
Manila Bulletin - China elevates a military general to the Politburo and seeks to strengthen party discipline
China elevates a military general to the Politburo and seeks to strengthen party discipline
Chinese President Xi Jinping, center left and Zhang Shengmin, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission second from right attend a ceremony in honor of fallen national heroes at the Monument to the People's Heroes to mark Martyrs' Day at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
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