President Xi Jinping promoted General Zhang Shengmin as Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), China’s top military body. The appointment came a week after Xi dismissed He Weidong from the same post, state-run Xinhua reported.

This promotion makes Zhang the second-most powerful general in China. It also shows Xi’s push to place trusted allies in key positions after another round of purges in the military and Communist Party.

CMC Now Has Only Four Members

For the first time since Mao Zedong’s rule, the seven-member CMC now has only four officials. They are Xi Jinping, First Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia, Second Vice Chairman Zhang Shengmin, and an unnamed fourth member.

Xi has tightened his grip on the military by shrinking the top body and keeping loyalists close. Zhang was already part of the CMC, so Xi avoided bringing in outsiders who might challenge his authority.

Zhang Holds Rare Dual Power

Zhang now holds both political and military authority. Besides his new role in the CMC, he is expected to keep his position as Deputy Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection — China’s top anti-corruption body.

Analysts told Reuters that this combination of roles shows the deep trust Xi places in him. Zhang replaces He Weidong, who was part of the 24-member Politburo, the second-most powerful decision-making body in the Communist Party.

Xi Launches Largest Overhaul Since 2017

Xi carried out the biggest leadership reshuffle since 2017. He appointed or promoted 11 senior officials to top Communist Party posts.

The changes were confirmed after a four-day “fourth plenum” meeting. Xinhua reported that 168 full members and 147 alternates attended — fewer than the 205 full members and 171 alternates chosen in 2022. The smaller number suggests that Xi removed many members or forced them out.

Xi Removes Top Military Officials

Last week, Xi dismissed nine senior military officers, including He Weidong. This was the first time since Mao’s era that a sitting CMC member was fired.

He’s removal drew attention because he was once close to Xi. The two had worked together in Fujian province in the 1990s. However, Xi’s move showed that loyalty is not enough if he doubts someone’s reliability.

Xi Strengthens His Absolute Control

After 13 years in power, Xi now holds more authority than ever before. He ended presidential term limits and brought all major state and party organs under his control.

Experts say Xi’s actions send a clear warning to military leaders.

“By purging these officers before the plenum altogether and all at once, Xi is sending a clear shot across the bow to the military high command and asserting his dominance,” Jon Czin, a Chinese military expert at the Brookings Institution, told Reuters.