Xi Faces Shrinking Pool of Generals as PLA Command Vacancies Mount
The CCP’s October plenum could fill senior posts after investigations and removals depleted the military’s top command.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping faces challenges in reaching the People’s Liberation Army’s 2027 centenary due to numerous vacancies in its top command. The upcoming Fifth Plenum of the CCP’s Central Committee in October presents a potential opportunity to fill these roles. The CCP charter grants the Central Committee the authority to determine the composition of the Central Military Commission.
- Five of seven members appointed to the PLA’s top command in 2022 are now under investigation or expelled.
- The CCP’s Central Committee will convene its Fifth Plenum in October, potentially filling command vacancies.
- The CCP charter gives the Central Committee authority over the Central Military Commission’s composition.
- A previous plenum in October 2025 elevated Zhang Shengmin to CMC vice chairman.
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