All the president’s men: Xi Jinping earmarks top brass for overhaul of Chinese military
New heads of navy, air force and land force command decided, source says, underlining president’s determination to reshape military
President Xi Jinping (習近平) has earmarked four of the five commanders to head the country’s new military zones, according to a source familiar with matter.
The military’s seven regional commands are to be replaced by five new zones – North, South, East, West and Central – as part of a massive overhaul to modernise and increase the efficiency and combat readiness of the People’s Liberation Army. The reforms also include cutting about 300,000 personnel.
Xi has ordered the new military zones to be operational by January 1 and, according to the source, has chosen four out of the five commanders.
The source did not disclose the names of the four commanders, but said that General Cai Yingting was likely to be passed over.
READ MORE - PLA to announce overhaul: five ‘strategic zones’ will replace regional commands, most army HQ to be scrapped
Such a move would come a surprise as Cai had been seen by many as a rising star since Xi promoted him to become the youngest serving general at the age of 59 two years ago.
Cai heads the Nanjing (南京) Military Region, but was previously a secretary to Zhang Wannian, a former vice-chairman of the Central Military Committee.
