China has recently announced the appointment of a new second-highest-ranking general, Zhang Shengmin, amidst a significant military purge that has seen the expulsion of nine senior generals, including the previous second-in-command, He Weidong. This move comes as part of President Xi Jinping’s broader anti-corruption campaign within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and signals a major reshuffle aimed at consolidating party control over the military.
Background of the Military Purge
In October 2025, China conducted one of its largest public crackdowns on its military leadership in decades, expelling nine top generals suspected of serious financial misconduct and violations of party discipline. These expulsions included high-profile figures such as He Weidong, who held the position of China’s second-ranking general and was a member of the Politburo—a rare occurrence for a military officer of such seniority to be removed since the Mao era. The purge also targeted generals with prominent roles within the Central Military Commission (CMC), which oversees the entire armed forces of China.
Rise of Zhang Shengmin
Following these expulsions, Zhang Shengmin, aged 67, was promoted to the role of second-ranked vice chairman of the CMC, effectively making him the nation’s second-highest military officer after President Xi Jinping himself. Zhang has a long history of serving in anti-corruption efforts within the PLA, heading the anti-corruption division of the CMC before his promotion. His appointment was announced at the close of a four-day Central Committee assembly, signaling a strategic move by Xi to place a trusted loyalist in a key position of military power.
Significance of the Appointment
Zhang Shengmin’s elevation is especially significant given the context of Xi Jinping’s ongoing efforts to root out corruption, disloyalty, and political dissent within the military ranks. His trustworthiness and experience in anti-corruption initiatives make him a key figure in Xi’s effort to strengthen party control and reduce the influence of factions within the PLA. This alignment with Xi’s broader political strategy underscores the consolidation of power and the tightening of loyalty within the military hierarchy.
Broader Implications
The purge appears to also be motivated by a desire to enhance discipline and control in the military ahead of critical political events, including upcoming party plenums where leadership and policy directions are discussed. Analysts suggest that Xi’s ruthless campaign, which includes the removal of high-ranking officers, aims to eliminate perceived threats and ensure unwavering loyalty to the party and Xi Jinping himself, potentially at the expense of military effectiveness or diversity of thought.
Overall Context
This recent shake-up marks one of the most extensive anti-corruption efforts in the Chinese military since the Cultural Revolution. The purge has led to a major reorganization of the military leadership, with the removal of powerful figures across the army, navy, and rocket forces. The appointment of Zhang Shengmin signifies that Xi Jinping is consolidating his control over the military, emphasizing loyalty and ideological discipline over recent decades of reform and modernization efforts in the PLA.
In conclusion, China’s naming of Zhang Shengmin as the new second-highest-ranking general amidst the large-scale purge of military leaders underscores the continued prioritization of party control, consolidation of power, and internal discipline within the Chinese armed forces under Xi Jinping’s leadership.