Reshuffle Reveals Fragile Balance of Power in China’s Military
Udumbara
.
As China reshuffles its military leadership, the appointment of Gen. Zhang Shengmin as vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) is widely seen as a temporary compromise between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and senior military figure Zhang Youxia.
Compromise Between 2 Power Centers
An insider from China told The Epoch Times on condition of anonymity that Zhang Shengmin’s promotion resulted from a compromise between Xi and Zhang Youxia.Although Zhang Shengmin hails from Xi’s home province of Shaanxi, his career roots lie in the PLA Rocket Force, where he rose through the ranks under Zhang Youxia’s mentorship.
“Zhang Shengmin is seen as a centrist figure [since] he doesn’t directly challenge either side,” the insider said. “That makes him the safest choice in the current power struggle [between Xi and Zhang Youxia].”
Balancing Technocrats and Political Loyalists
A Chinese military scholar told The Epoch Times that Zhang Shengmin’s rise underscores the delicate balance between the PLA’s technical officers and its political loyalists. The Rocket Force, which oversees China’s strategic missile arsenal, has become central to both China’s deterrence strategy and the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) internal power dynamics.“Zhang’s promotion may temporarily ease tensions,” said the scholar. “But the rift between Xi and the military hasn’t disappeared. Future succession planning will still be shaped by this divide.”
One of the Deepest Purges Since the Cultural Revolution
Multiple observers in China describe the current campaign as one of the most extensive internal purges in the Chinese military since the Cultural Revolution. Some argue that what began as factional infighting has evolved into a struggle for decision-making dominance.Though Zhang Youxia remains only the CMC vice chairman, the “technocrat faction” he represents continues to wield influence through its expertise and control over military logistics and technology. However, insiders say Zhang Youxia’s influence is now constrained, as Xi dominates the Party and propaganda apparatus.
“Zhang Youxia still commands respect within the ranks, but he lacks political and administrative backing,” one insider told The Epoch Times. “Xi has the advantage politically and in the [CCP’s] propaganda wing.”
Outside of China, analysts raise questions about the Party’s ability to maintain a stable command structure in wartime.
Looking Ahead
While Zhang Shengmin’s appointment may have won temporary acceptance from both sides, an insider believes the contest between Xi and the military is far from over. The outcome, according to him, will shape not only the PLA’s internal hierarchy but also the power structure of China’s top leadership in the years to come.When asked whether Zhang Shengmin leans more toward Xi or Zhang Youxia, the insider told The Epoch Times, “He’s closer to Zhang Youxia because that reflects the sentiment of most people within the military.”
The vice chairmanship of the CMC is one of the highest positions in China’s armed forces and often serves as a political barometer for Beijing’s leadership. As of now, the CCP has not made any further remarks on Zhang Shengmin’s appointment or the broader reshuffle within the PLA.
