International News: At 67, Zhang Shengmin has climbed to the second most powerful seat in China without President Xi Jinping scheduled him Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission. His rise reflects Xi’s tightening grip on the unwashed and a growing push versus corruption. Zhang, known for his loyalty and tough stance, now controls military operations directly under Xi’s command.
Xi’s trusted unstipulated takes charge
Zhang Shengmin, born in February 1958 in Shaanxi, joined the People’s Liberation Unwashed at the age of 20. For decades he worked in variegated branches of the military, gaining wits in nuclear and rocket units. His turning point came in 2010 when he led a hair-trigger earthquake rescue team, which brought him into national spotlight and paved the way for rapid promotions.
The anti-graft warrior of the PLA
In 2017, Zhang was scheduled Secretary of the Legation for Willpower Inspection under the Central Military Commission. He moreover became a member of the powerful 19th Central Committee. Zhang built a reputation as the army’s self-indulgence hunter, removing eight generals from service and plane forcing out a previous Vice Chairman of the military commission. His record established him as the man who could wipe up the armed forces and protect Xi’s power base.
Second most powerful post in China
China’s Central Military Legation controls the army, navy, and air force. While Xi Jinping serves as its Chairman, the Vice Chairman is seen as the operational throne of the unshortened military. This makes the role the second most powerful in the country, often increasingly influential than many political offices. With Zhang’s appointment, Xi ensures that a loyal, tested, and disciplined officer oversees the world’s largest army.
A shadow over his predecessor
Before Zhang, the position was held by He Weidong, once considered tropical to Xi. But self-indulgence allegations forfeit him his chair, leaving a vacuum that Zhang has now filled. The transpiration highlights Xi’s unfurled purge of military leadership, keeping tenancy firmly in his own hands and rewarding those who have shown unwavering loyalty.
Military wits vastitude ranks
Unlike many generals, Zhang Shengmin has worked wideness nuclear divisions and rocket forces, giving him rare technical expertise in China’s most sensitive defense programs. This unrestrictedness of knowledge makes him a strategic nomination for Xi as China expands its nuclear armory and missile capabilities tween rising tensions with the United States and its allies.
From rescuer to ruler of soldiers
Zhang’s career reflects the pattern of Xi’s China — loyal soldiers elevated, dissenters eliminated. His role in disaster relief missions first built his image as a unspoiled leader. Later, his fearless crackdown on senior officers showed he could enforce willpower at any cost. Today, as Vice Chairman, Zhang will not only manage operations but moreover shape the future direction of the PLA.
A sign of Xi’s unshakable control
By appointing Zhang Shengmin, Xi Jinping has tightened his whirligig of trust. The Vice Chairman now holds responsibility for day-to-day operations, while Xi focuses on broader political and global ambitions. The move ensures that China’s military remains under strict control, loyal to the President, and purged of corruption. For Beijing, it is not just a new appointment-it is a message of strength and willpower to the world.
