Military Shakeup: Zhang Shengmin's Rise Amidst Anti-Corruption Drive

In a significant move highlighting China's ongoing military shakeup, Zhang Shengmin has been promoted to the position of second-ranked vice chair of the Central Military Commission (CMC). This elevation comes amidst a rigorous anti-corruption purge spearheaded by President Xi Jinping.

The decision was made during the recent Fourth Plenum of the Communist Party Central Committee in Beijing, where members discussed important future economic strategies and personnel changes. Zhang's rise follows the expulsion of eight top generals due to corruption, underscoring the seriousness of the campaign.

Experts suggest that Zhang's untainted record and strong ties with President Xi, hailing from the same ancestral province, have secured him this critical trust-based role. This move is perceived as an assertion of Xi's dominance over the military and a clear message of zero-tolerance towards corruption in the ranks.