Beijing: A shockwave has been sent through China following the dismissal of high-ranking official Zhang Youxia, the former Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), indicating a significant shift in power dynamics.
According to Thai News Agency, Associate Professor Dr. Piti Srisangnam from Chulalongkorn University commented on the dismissal during an interview on the Good Morning ASEAN program. Dr. Srisangnam highlighted Zhang Youxia's close association with President Xi Jinping's family and discussed the implications of the dismissal alongside other high-ranking officials. Notably, Mr. Li Changfu, the former Minister of Defense, and Mr. Liu Zhenli, Chief of Staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have been implicated in corruption allegations within the Missile Army. Mr. He Weidong, another CMC Vice Chairman, was also dismissed along with his team.
Foreign news agencies have reported on these developments within China's political and military spheres, focusing on the removal of high-ranking military officers from the CMC, the highest-ranking body overseeing the Chinese military. The commission, which originally had seven members, now consists only of President Xi Jinping as chairman and Zhang Chengmin, who is responsible for anti-corruption activities. The continuous removal of several high-ranking officials marks a significant restructuring under Xi Jinping's administration.
President Xi Jinping's administration has expanded China's governance framework into six pillars, aiming to create a new system of checks and balances. These include the President, the Executive Yuan led by Premier Li Qiang, the Legislative Yuan, the Judiciary, the Central Military Commission, and the Commission for Discipline Inspection. Over the past decade, these have been the main mechanisms for combating corruption, enhancing good governance, preventing coups by the old power structure, and addressing security vulnerabilities, particularly those related to nuclear weapons.
The appointment of new leaders is anticipated to occur mid-year through a plenary session of the Communist Party of China. This session aims to reorganize the power structure and prepare for the future administration of the country.