Story perspectives

Zhang Shengmin Promoted Amid Major Military Purge

10/23/2025

Summary

Story summary

Zhang Shengmin has been promoted to vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, becoming the second-highest general.
The promotion followed a four-day Central Committee meeting and a purge in which nine generals were expelled for corruption.
The expulsions include former CMC Vice Chair He Weidong.
The move signals the continuation of Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign, with at least 14 generals removed since 2012, the largest reshuffles in decades.

History

Historical Context

Since Xi Jinping became General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party in 2012, he has spearheaded an extensive anti-corruption campaign, targeting high-ranking officials, including 14 generals from the Central Military Commission. This initiative, which has seen over 2.3 million officials prosecuted, aims to consolidate Xi's power and reshape China's political landscape, reinforcing party discipline and military loyalty.

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Story summary

Zhang Shengmin has been promoted to vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, becoming the second-highest general.
The promotion followed a four-day Central Committee meeting and a purge in which nine generals were expelled for corruption.
The expulsions include former CMC Vice Chair He Weidong.
The move signals the continuation of Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign, with at least 14 generals removed since 2012, the largest reshuffles in decades.

1 / 2