Chinese President Xi Jinping has appointed Zhang Shengmin, Vice Chairman of the Chinese military, as a member of the Communist Party’s top decision-making body, the Politburo. This appointment breaks with traditional party practice, which usually elects Politburo members during the Party Congress scheduled next in 2027. Zhang’s new role marks him as one of the most powerful military figures in China.
Zhang Shengmin’s Rise and Military Power
Zhang Shengmin’s appointment makes him the most influential military officer in China after Xi Jinping. Currently, Zhang is the only general holding the Vice Chairman position within the military and serving as a Politburo member. A recent report from the Central Committee highlighted that in the last year, five out of seven generals in the Chinese military have been removed from their positions.
Born in Shanxi in February 1958, Zhang joined the Chinese army at 20 years old. His significant breakthrough came in 2010 when he led a team responding to an earthquake disaster. Since Xi Jinping took office in 2013, Zhang’s career progressed steadily, earning him a reputation as a trusted ally of the president.
Xi appointed Zhang as head of the military’s discipline department to lead the anti-corruption campaign. During his tenure as chairman of the discipline committee, Zhang was responsible for dismissing seven generals, including Zhang Yuxia, the army’s vice chairman. In addition, Zhang became a member of the Communist Party’s 19th Central Committee earlier this year.
Exclusive Leadership and Expanded Role
In China’s military hierarchy, the president also serves as the military chairman. Below that, there are usually two vice chairmen, but Zhang, aged 67, currently holds the sole Vice Chairman position. He has occupied this exclusive role alone for the past six months, which is unusual in the established structure.
With his new role in the Politburo, Zhang’s influence will extend beyond the military to the broader party and government apparatus. This move signals an increase in his power within China’s political and military leadership.
Zhang’s appointment is significant because it sets a precedent by bypassing the traditional timeline for Politburo membership selection, indicating Xi Jinping’s direct hand in consolidating control over the military and governance structures. It also illustrates the ongoing purge of senior military officials and Xi’s effort to strengthen his trusted inner circle.
Key points
- Zhang Shengmin appointed Politburo member ahead of 2027 party congress.
- He is currently the only Vice Chairman in China’s military.
- Has led military anti-corruption work, dismissing 7 generals.
- Zhang is considered a close ally of President Xi Jinping.
