Xi Jinping consolidates power ahead of potential fourth term

Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping has moved to reinforce his control over both the Communist Party and the military establishment, promoting Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Zhang Shengmin to the Politburo Standing Committee.

The appointment marks a significant step in Xi's consolidation of power as China approaches its next major party congress in 2027, when leadership positions will be reassessed. By elevating Zhang, a senior military figure, Xi has ensured continued influence over the People's Liberation Army while simultaneously strengthening his position within the party's highest echelons.

The promotion is seen as part of Xi's broader strategy to stack key decision-making bodies with allies and loyalists ahead of the crucial gathering. Such personnel reshuffles have become a hallmark of Xi's tenure, allowing him to maintain authority across China's interconnected political and military hierarchies.

The move underscores the strategic importance Xi places on military-civilian coordination in governance. By integrating senior military commanders into senior party bodies, Xi has blurred the traditional boundaries between political and military power structures in ways that reflect his vision for centralized leadership.