Chinese President Xi Jinping has been elevated to the rank of general secretary of the Central Military Commission (CMC), China’s top military body, further solidifying his control over the armed forces. Xi, who is already the country’s president and Communist Party chief, assumes the position previously held by former president Hu Jintao. The move is seen as a further consolidation of Xi’s power and influence within the Chinese political and military establishment..
Xi’s elevation to the top military rank comes amid heightened tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, including disputes over territorial claims in the South China Sea and Taiwan. The move is likely to be seen as a signal that Xi intends to maintain a strong military presence in the region..
The CMC is the supreme command authority of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), China’s military. It is responsible for setting defense policy, overseeing military operations, and promoting military modernization. Xi’s appointment to the CMC is a clear indication of his desire to assert his authority over the armed forces and to ensure that the military remains loyal to the Communist Party..
The elevation of Xi to the top military rank is a significant development in Chinese politics. It further cements his position as China’s paramount leader and signals his intention to maintain a strong military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The move is likely to have a major impact on China’s foreign policy and security posture in the years to come..