Xi cements control over PLA with unique background
New leader's unique background means he can quickly assert his control over the world's largest army
Xi Jinping, now firmly in command of both the world's largest political party and army, is poised to become a stronger military chief than his immediate predecessors, analysts say.
The vice-president has already surprised many with how quickly he has established his authority over the People's Liberation Army. Just one week after taking over as chairman of the party's Central Military Commission (CMC) - a post some believed President Hu Jintao might attempt to keep for two more years - Xi demonstrated his grip on power by appointing his PLA general on Friday.
In a Xinhua photo of the ceremony to install Wei Fenghe as commander of the country's strategic missile force, Xi looked confident, wearing a relaxed smile and a ceremonial suit. He was the only civilian among the 11 CMC members.
Analysts credit Xi's ability to quickly settle into the position to his diverse background, including military service and his status as the "princeling" son of a revolutionary leader.
Such experiences make him better prepared than Hu or Jiang Zemin , who both struggled to solidify control amid the lingering influence of their predecessors.
"Xi will likely be a stronger military leader than his predecessors because of his political capital, as well and his character and personality," said Lin Chong-pin, a former deputy defence minister of Taiwan.