Chinese military pledges loyalty to Communist Party and vows to keep up anti-corruption drive
- PLA should consolidate loyalty to the party and be innovative in eliminating corruption, says one of the Central Military Commission’s vice-chairmen
- It follows President Xi Jinping’s promotion of seven generals, which an observer says is aimed at bolstering his support before party’s national congress
During the twice-a-decade congress, set to take place this autumn, it is expected that President Xi Jinping will embark on his third five-year term as the party’s leader and there will be a reshuffle of its ruling elite.
Zhang’s remark came the day after Xi, who chairs the CMC, promoted seven generals. A new commander and political commissar were appointed in the Central Theatre Command, along with a commander of the rocket force and four political commissars in charge of military ideology and conduct, with the Northern Theatre Command, the ground force, the navy and the armed police force.
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A military observer said the promotions were part of Xi’s efforts to cement his political support in the military.
“Xi needs to place his own men in all important posts as part of preparation for the 20th party congress, which is likely to take place in late October,” a source close to the PLA said.