Overview
- Speaking in a Feb 11 virtual address, Xi said the military had grown stronger over the past year through a deepened fight against corruption.
- The Central Military Commission, typically a seven‑member body, has been reduced to Xi as chair and vice chairman Zhang Shengmin, with other seats vacant.
- Beijing disclosed last month that CMC vice chairman Zhang Youxia and Joint Staff chief Liu Zhenli are under investigation for disciplinary violations.
- He Weidong was expelled in October 2025, while former defense minister Li Shangfu was ousted in 2024 and senior political officer Miao Hua fell in 2025, with other service leaders also investigated or expelled.
- State media reported Zhang Shengmin’s presence at the address and showed Defense Minister Dong Jun near Xi, as Xi praised grassroots troops as trustworthy and loyal.