The BRICS TimesThe Central Military Commission oversees China’s ground, naval, and air forces. The Chinese President is its ex-officio chairman. Zhang Shengmin has now been named Vice Chairman. This is seen as China’s second most powerful post. The 67-year-old Zhang is considered close to the Chinese President.
Who is Zhang Shengmin?
Chinese President Xi Jinping has appointed Zhang Shengmin as the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission. The military commission’s vice chairman is considered the second most powerful post in China. Zhang Shengmin is the head of the anti-corruption campaign within the People’s Liberation Army.
According to the South China Morning Post, Zhang Shengmin’s name was approved at the Communist Party’s fourth plenary session. He Weidong previously held this high-ranking position. Weidong was once considered a confidante of Jinping. However, he was removed from the post after facing corruption allegations.
Who is Zhang Shengmin?
Born in Shaanxi in February 1958, Zhang Shengmin joined the Chinese Army at age 20. Zhang’s fortune changed in 2010 when he led an earthquake relief team. Following this, he received continuous promotions in the ranks.
In 2017, Zhang was appointed Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission of the Central Military Commission. That same year, Zhang was also elected as a member of the 19th Central Committee.
Zhang was later given the responsibility for the disciplinary committee. As Chairman of the anti-corruption committee, Zhang terminated the services of eight Chinese Army generals. A Chinese Army Vice Chairman also lost his job due to Zhang’s actions.
Experience in Nuclear and Rocket Departments
Zhang Shengmin has experience with nuclear weapons and rocketry. He has worked in both departments within the military. The Vice Chairman of the Military Commission in China must oversee the army’s entire operation. The commission’s chairman is the President.
The President has many responsibilities, from the party to the government. Thus, the military commission’s vice chairman manages all military operations. The Vice Chairman of the military commission is also a member of the Politburo. The Politburo is China’s supreme policy-making body.
